At the heart of component 5 is project management and implementation. However, what differentiates SWP from short(er)-term projects is that SWP action plan implementation will most likely never be “complete” and therefore, requires a long-term planning, implementation and refinement mindset.

Implementing a SWP action plan is akin to long-term maintenance. Based on the risk assessment and ranking performed in Component 4, some activities that have shorter (0-3 year) implementation times can be accomplished quickly, but other SWP activities may requires many years to refine and implement, such as land use legislation or farmer behavior change regarding agrochemical use.

Components 4, 5, and 6 should be working in tandem once the initial action plan has been developed and adopted.

Because there are so many contextual factors for how SWP can be implemented, this component is does not go into detail on project management approaches or frameworks for SWP implementation.

As CRS continues to refine SWP in its own programming, we will be sharing case studies and best management practices here. However, linked below is the WSP portal maintained by WHO with many different case studies for implementing water safety plans, which are similar to SWP plans and require similar inputs and considerations.

Purpose:

The purpose of implementing an action plan for SWP is to:

1. Translate Plans into Action: Move from planning to actual implementation, ensuring that all identified strategies and measures for protecting water sources are effectively carried out.
2. Coordinate Efforts: Align activities and resources among different stakeholders, including communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to optimize the use of resources and avoid duplication of efforts.
3. Monitor Progress and Adapt: Track the implementation process to ensure activities are on schedule, within budget, and achieving the desired outcomes, allowing for adjustments as needed.

Steps for Action Plan Implementation in SWP:

1. Define Clear Objectives and Outcomes:
   • Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the SWP action plan.
   • Clearly define the desired outcomes and how they will contribute to the overall goals of the WASH program.
2. Develop a Detailed Project Plan:
   • Identify Key Activities and Tasks: Break down the SWP action plan into a series of manageable activities and tasks, outlining what needs to be done, by whom, and when.
   • Assign Responsibilities: Designate roles and responsibilities for each activity and task, ensuring accountability and clarity among team members and stakeholders.
3. Create a Project Budget:
   • Estimate Costs: Identify all costs associated with implementing the action plan, including personnel, equipment, materials, transportation, and other direct expenses.
   • Allocate Resources: Determine how resources will be allocated to different activities and tasks, ensuring sufficient funding and resources are available for each component of the plan.
   • Include Contingency Funds: Set aside a contingency budget to address unforeseen expenses or emergencies that may arise during implementation.
4. Develop a Project Schedule:
   • Timeline Development: Create a detailed timeline that outlines the start and end dates for each activity and task, considering any dependencies or constraints.
   • Milestones and Deadlines: Establish key milestones and deadlines to monitor progress and ensure the project stays on track.
   • Gantt Charts and Tools: Use project management tools such as Gantt charts to visualize the schedule and facilitate effective tracking and management of activities.
5. Apply Project Management Principles:
   • Risk Management: Identify potential risks to the implementation process, assess their impact, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.
   • Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan to ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the project, fostering transparency and collaboration.
   • Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure that all activities and tasks are completed to the required standards and contribute to the overall success of the SWP action plan.
6. Engage Stakeholders:
   • Community Involvement: Engage local communities and stakeholders in the implementation process to build ownership, ensure culturally appropriate solutions, and leverage local knowledge.
   • Partnerships and Collaboration: Foster partnerships with local government, NGOs, and other organizations to enhance capacity, share resources, and ensure a coordinated approach to SWP.
7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress:
   • Regular Monitoring: Conduct regular monitoring of activities and progress against the project plan, schedule, and budget to identify any deviations or issues early.
   • Performance Indicators: Use performance indicators to measure progress toward the objectives and outcomes, allowing for timely adjustments and improvements.
   • Adaptive Management: Be prepared to adapt the action plan based on monitoring results, stakeholder feedback, and changing conditions, ensuring continued relevance and effectiveness.