The scope of the crisis is big enough that there would never be enough charity to solve it.
WaterCredit
So White created WaterCredit. WaterCredit is the first program of its kind that puts microfinance tools to work in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
By connecting financial institutions (FIs) to communities in developing countries in need of clean water and toilets, small loans are then made to individuals and households. As loans are repaid, they can be redeployed to additional people in need of safe water, reducing the need for subsidies, which can then be freed up to help those who need it most. White’s entrepreneurial vision has driven innovations in the way water and sanitation projects are delivered and financed and these innovations now serve as a model in the sector. For example, Muddumare who lives with 16 family members in an Indian village says since his house had no toilet, they would relieve themselves out in the open.
The increasing population in the household had led him to wanting to change their lives for the better. Muddumare borrowed 7,000 rupees ($112 USD) from the Organization for the Development of People, Water.org’s local microloan partner, to build a toilet. Muddumare has 3 acres of land where he grows groundnuts, sorghum and finger millet, and uses the proceeds to repay the loan on a monthly basis.
Safe water and the dignity of a toilet for all
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