Bulgaria
WASH Coalition building
WASH Coalition building in Bulgaria is based on mobilising multiple stakeholders around a certain problem or project. These can include local stakeholders as well as national-level stakeholders, including national authorities.
Focus
The focus of activities in Bulgaria lies on:
- School sanitation
- Village sanitation
- Village organic waste management
Milestones and main achievements
In 2004, the WASH partners in Bulgaria organized a survey of the readiness of decision-makers at all levels, to work together with local communities for better water and sanitation services and in strategic planning. The survey was conducted in the form of interviews, and aimed to improve relations for future partnerships. The responses showed a readiness for mutual activities with local communities at all levels, but especially from the side of the local authorities who are responsible for water and sanitation service delivery. The survey prompted three municipal mayors to start sanitation projects in smaller village communities as a result of the awareness- raising efforts.
Other activities have included:
School Sanitation
- Presentation at the Stockholm Water Week, 2006;
- Campaigns, training, events but also renovation and construction of school toilets
Village sanitation
- Village sanitation projects
Village organic waste management: composting
- Presentation in Kalkuta at CWG-WASH conference, 2006
- Construction of demonstration ecosan latrines in community centres and homes.
Future activities
In 2009, the Bulgarian coalition will engage in following activities
- Strengthening of national WASH coalition in Bulgaria
- Sanitation and hygiene awareness raising of Roma minority
- Advocacy and mobilization for specialized state program targeting improved sanitation and hygiene education for rural schools, with emphasis on mothers and children of Roma origin
- Informing and sensitizing media
