The Development of Sustainable Water and Sanitation Systems in Rural Areas of the CAREC Region with a Focus on China, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

This report examines the current state and challenges of WASH services in rural areas of China, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It highlights the importance of WASH for public health, especially in light of predictions of widespread water shortages by 2050. Despite political commitment and national plans in these countries, access to comprehensive WASH services remains incomplete, with significant gaps in rural infrastructure due to historical legacies, urban-rural disparities, and financial constraints. The study underscores China's relative success in expanding rural WASH access through the Rural Drinking Water Safety concept, contrasting with Mongolia's urban-centric strategies and the outdated infrastructure in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Recommendations include enhancing institutional frameworks, strategic zoning for WASH infrastructure, financial strategy development, and private sector engagement. The report advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach to improve WASH services, emphasizing the need for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and sustainable financial mechanisms to address the complex challenges of providing essential WASH services in rural areas.