Planning, the cornerstone of SolutionMUS, includes two key components: participatory assessments and flexible design.
A participatory, holistic assessment provides an effective foundation for SolutionMUS. An assessment should cover:
- The full range of people’s current and projected water needs
- Existing water services and infrastructure (and their condition)
- Existing water resources now and under future climate scenarios
- Opportunities to enhance the value of water services through specific complementary health, livelihood and environment programs
Good design meets the priority needs identified during assessment with built-in flexibility to accommodate current and future conditions. The design process focuses on
- Integrated, appropriate and sustainable water services that meet demands for domestic and priority productive water uses.
- Complementary health, livelihood and environmental programs that address poverty issues and promote sustainable services.