Running from October 2021 to February 2025, SCRS-WaSH-TAP aimed to improve the long-term resilience and sustainability of water supply systems across 12 drought-prone regions and one city administration in Ethiopia. It addressed both the technical and social dimensions of rural water access, integrating climate resilience into infrastructure and governance while creating economic opportunities for marginalised groups.

At the heart of the project was the goal of enhancing the management and sustainability of 30 rural multi-village water supply schemes. This involved the introduction of climate-resilient water safety plans (CR-WSPs), which were developed and validated for nearly all target schemes. These plans helped communities and local authorities identify and mitigate climate-related risks, ensuring safer and more reliable water access for approximately 200,000 people.

The project also tackled systemic weaknesses in post-construction support by establishing maintenance systems and spare parts supply chains. A significant innovation was the creation of 30 women- and youth-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which were trained and equipped to maintain water systems and supply necessary components. This not only improved service delivery but also contributed to job creation and economic empowerment, particularly for women—who made up 62% of the 353 individuals trained through the initiative.

In parallel, the SCRS-WaSH-TAP supported the development of Ethiopia’s first national WaSH Financing Strategy. This landmark achievement mapped out sustainable domestic financing mechanisms to reduce the sector’s dependence on donor support and secure long-term investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Another critical element of the project was addressing menstrual hygiene management in schools. Through partnerships with private sector actors, SCRS-WaSH-TAP delivered reusable menstrual hygiene kits to 35,000 girls in 150 schools, alongside educational efforts aimed at breaking taboos and reducing absenteeism linked to menstruation.

Overall, the project served as a model for integrated, climate-resilient WaSH interventions. By combining technical support, policy development, and gender-inclusive economic empowerment, SCRS-WaSH-TAP made significant strides in ensuring that communities in drought-affected areas of Ethiopia can sustainably manage their water resources in the face of growing climate challenges.