The proportion of households with access to improved sanitation facilities, such as septic tanks, has increased dramatically in all 10 ASEAN member states (AMS) over the past two decades. However, sanitation involves more than just toilets. Consideration must be given to the entire sanitation service chain, including how to safely manage, treat, dispose of, and reuse treated wastewater and sludge, either on-site or off-site, using a centralised or decentralised system.
Regional Platform for Capacity Development
A new initiative funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund is a project on "Strengthening Capacity Development for Local Governments in ASEAN to Tackle Microplastics and Water Pollution through Decentralized Domestic Wastewater Management Approach". We are currently collaborating closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and AMS to facilitate the establishment of a regional platform to strengthen scientific and practical knowledge exchange and policy dialogues, with a pilot project implemented in Bauang Municipality (in La Union, the Philippines). We are also engaging in capacity development for local governments and relevant multi-stakeholders in ASEAN countries to facilitate effective implementation of decentralised wastewater management in the region. It is hoped that this will eventually contribute to the achievement of the relevant targets under SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.
