The world is urbanizing rapidly. The number of people living in cities is projected to increase by 50 per cent from 4 to 6 billion between 2016 and 2045. Much of this growth is occurring in low-income and lower middle-income countries where expansion is unplanned, informal and takes place predominantly in peri-urban areas or at city fringes.
The UN estimates that currently 4.5 billion people in the world do not have access to safely managed sanitation. Governments in developing countries are struggling to provide functional sanitation infrastructure and service provision to their citizens. The results are a high number of people exposed to severe health and environmental risks because they are not served by the city’s sanitation systems.
The fundamental and persistent challenges in developing countries are weak or non-existent policies to guide development, lack of regulations and enforcement, fragmented institutional structures, insufficient human and financial capacity, weak frameworks for business development and limited political will. Additionally, for a long while the approach to sanitation was looked at as the provision of toilets rather than considering a systems approach, i.e toilets, collection & transport, treatment and reuse, and this has to change.
We approach the challenges in the sanitation sector through:
An enablingDeveloping informed policies, realistic regulations and enforcement mechanisms, supporting pro-poor financing, enhancing capacities of state and non-state actors, improving governance and developing a robust monitoring & evaluation mechanism
City-widePro-poor based planning and infrastructure provision across the sanitation chain focused around faecal sludge management
indulge inSupporting private sector involvement to improve service delivery, provide business incubation and innovate to enhance services
i-san provides technical advisory, research and support services to public, private and third sector organisations. We specialise in integrated sanitation solutions for urban development in the Global South. We seek to improve organisational effectiveness and facilitate client learning through
Our expertise stretches across the very diverse systems and stakeholders delivering sanitation services.
It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data – we create the evidence to improve your programming decisions.
We build the people, not the pipes.
We strive to make data and knowledge accessible. Knowledge belongs in implementers hands, not on the shelf.
We demonstrate impact with meaningful metrics.
We problem-solve, where a project is a problem scheduled for a solution.
Design of Freetown public toilets management system (WSUP Advisory)
Identifying Opportunities to Integrate FSM Into the Circular Economy (World Bank Water)
SFD for Freetown, Sierra Leone (WSUP)
Evaluating existing CBS solutions in order to assess their affordability, viability, reliability and effectiveness (World Bank)
Support to the Operationalization of the Freetown City Council Faecal Sludge Management Unit in Freetown, Sierra Leone (WSUP Advisory)
Promotion of the Shit Flow Diagram (SFD) approach in Africa (GIZ)
Diagnostics and Guidelines for Service Delivery in Poor Urban Areas. Providing subject matter expertise on urban sanitation markets
Project for the Structuring of the Faecal Sludge Management Market for the Benefit of Poor Households in Dakar Faecal Sludge Management
International Comparative Study of Institutional Models to support the development of Ghana’s proposed National Sanitation Authority (NSA)
Developing capacities of Ugandan state actors in Urban Sanitation Planning and Improvements
African Cities for the Future
Sustainable WASH Systems for Small Towns in Ethiopia (TetraTech)
Design and Implementation of Incusive City-wide Sanitation Plans in six Northern Ugandan towns (USAID GIZ)
Developing an urban sanitation up-scaling strategy in Uganda (GIZ)
Reviewing the District Planning Approch in Zambia (GIZ)
Strengthening of the Regulatory Environment – Improved Public Infrastructure for Faecal Sludge Management in Freetown (WSUP Advisory)
ACCESSanitation, Developing Inclusive City-wide Sanitation Plans for small/medium towns (ICLEI)
Community-Led Urban Environmental Sanitation Planning (EAWAG SANDEC)
Sanitation Technologies Costing tool (EAWAG SANDEC)
Market assessment for waste to resource business
Barriers and opportunities for sanitation SMEs: a study of the wider market system in Ghana
Development of strategy for sanitation marketing in Tajikistan
Study of the private markets for urban water and faecal sludge management services in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
West African Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative
Designing low-cost, pre-cast, modular institutional toilets for schools and health centers
Nutrition and WASH behaviours in North East Nigeria
Hygiene practices in Eastern DRC
Sanitation Product System Documentation
BMGF MEDS Convening Series
Masters course for Water and Sanitation for Low-income Areas
Scaling up Rural Sanitation and Water Supply Faecal Sludge Management (World Bank)
We bring valuable professional experience from Asia, Africa and South America
Competencies:
Urban Sanitation Planning
Project:
ACCESSanitation
Description:
Developing Inclusive City-wide Sanitation Plans for five small/medium towns
Client:
ICLEI/ European Commission
Year:
2010-2012
Competencies:
Santation Markets & Business Development
Project:
Development of strategy for sanitation marketing in Tajikistan
Description:
Documenting technical approach and impacts of a market-based project for toilet product. Visioning for future phase of the sanitation marketing project.
Client:
Mercy Corps
Year:
2017
Competencies:
Strategy for sanitation up-scaling
Project:
Scaling up Rural Sanitation and Water Supply
Description:
Support for development and implementation of a $US 200 M program to scale up access to rural sanitation and water supply and build local and national government capacity to implement water supply and sanitation in 21 provinces of Vietnam.
Client:
World Bank
Year:
2013-2018
Competencies:
Institutional Capacity Building & Training
Project:
Barriers and opportunities for sanitation SMEs: a study of the wider market system in Ghana
Description:
Documenting the wider market barriers and opportunities facing small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sanitation in Ghana. The study aims to understand the impact of these factors on the ability of businesses to reach Low-Income Urban Communities (LIUCs) with appropriate products and services.
Client:
WSUP Ghana
Year:
2017
Competencies:
Institutional Capacity Building & Training
Project:
International Comparative Study of Institutional Models to support the development of Ghana’s proposed National Sanitation Authority (NSA)
Description:
Institutional analysis of the sanitation sector in 15 countries, Selection of five appropriate institition models for decision making by Ghanian stakeholders. Developing recommendations for the scope and organisational structure of the NSA
Client:
WSUP / IMC
Year:
2018
Competencies:
Behaviour
Project:
Nutrition and WASH behaviours in North East Nigeria
Description:
Conducting formative research to identify and priories high risk hygiene practices in relation with nutrition in IDPs population in Borno State.
Client:
Danish refugee Council
Year:
2018
Competencies:
Faecal Sludge Management
Project:
Strengthening of the Private Sector Entities in the Collection and Transport of Faecal Sludge in Freetown
Description:
Desk Review of support programs in other geographies. Review of the business environment and constraints in Freetown. Mapping/analysis of sanitation services and key players along the value chain. Comprehensive financial analysis of the FSM system/chain in Freetown. Capacity gap assessments and organizational assessments of all identified private sector operators. Draft support approach for vacuum truck operators and manual pit emptiers.
Client:
WSUP Advisory
Year:
2016
Competencies:
Urban Sanitation Planning
Project:
Community-Led Urban Environmental Sanitation Planning
Description:
Analysing enabling environment and institutional framework for participatory decision making process for pro-poor water & sanitation service provision in Tanzania.
Client:
EAWAG-Sandec
Year:
2008-2009
Competencies:
Institutional Capacity Building & Training
Project:
Design and Implementation of Incusive City-wide Sanitation Plans in six Northern Ugandan towns
Description:
Developing Incusive City-wide Sanitation Plans for six small/medium towns in Northern Uganda
Client:
GIZ/USAID
Year:
2012-2016
Competencies:
Institutional Capacity Building & Training
Project:
Designing low-cost, pre-cast, modular institutional toilets for schools and health centers
Description:
Developed designs and manuals for pre-case school toilets – designs implimented in 30 schools in northern Uganda
Client:
GIZ/USAID
Year:
2018
Competencies:
Urban Sanitation Planning
Project:
ACCESSanitation
Description:
Developing Inclusive City-wide Sanitation Plans for five small/medium towns
Client:
ICLEI/ European Commission
Year:
2010-2012
What pathway did you take into WASH and urban sanitation?
I always wanted to work in Integrated Water Resources Management but after working on a waste water discharge project, I realised that sanitation was more important and exciting!
What can you say about your passion for working in WASH and urban sanitation?
People who work in the sanitation sector are the funniest, most down to earth people. You can use the word ‘shit’ at any time!
Describe the range of your WASH and urban sanitation experience.
I began my career as an Integrated urban water management specialist before making the move to sanitation. Now I specialize in urban sanitation strategy and supporting local governments on city-wide sanitation planning. I have also done a considerable amount of work on wastewater re-use.
Which clients have you worked for?
I have worked with a broad range of different clients including: ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, USAID, GIZ, EAWAG, SANDEC and a number of consulting firms.
What are you currently working on?
A road map for scaling-up urban sanitation and financing in Uganda
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Urban sanitation planning for 6 cities in Uganda on behalf of GIZ. The project was interesting and rewarding, as I was working closely with the local government which taught me a lot about the motivations and challenges that they face and how to work with them effectively.
When not at work, what are you doing?
When I am not looking after my children and cooking big family meals, I can be found riding my motorbike or appreciating a good glass of wine!
What pathway did you take into WASH and urban sanitation?
I initially worked in the forestry sector before feeling the urge to travel to Africa. Time spent in Burundi and DRC kindled my interest in WASH and I made the transition through an MSc in Water and Environmental Management at WEDC in Loughborough, UK.
What can you say about your passion for working in WASH and urban sanitation?
The WASH sector is populated by some highly driven people who are a real pleasure to work with. I find it particularly satisfying to engage with local people to identify simple practical solutions.
Describe the range of your WASH and urban sanitation experience.
Earlier in my career, I was based in Africa managing urban and rural WASH projects. Latterly, I have provided technical support and advice to the urban WASH sector with a focus on faecal sludge management and managing information. I have also advised on the design of large results-based WASH programs in South East Asia and East Africa.
Which clients have you worked for?
I have worked with a number of NGOs and consulting firms and I spend a large proportion of my time working with the World Bank.
What are you currently working on?
I am reviewing the effectiveness of different WASH interventions for EffectiveGiving, in order to guide the future allocation of donor funds.
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Supporting the World Bank on the design and implementation of a results-based WASH program in Vietnam. The opportunity to work closely with local and national government in Vietnam on the design of a large-scale program was fascinating.
When not at work, what are you doing?
When I am not working, I am busy looking after my daughter and running a small sawmill that produces local timber in Somerset.
Mikhael, G., Robbins, D. M., Ramsay, J. E and Mbéguéré, M. (2014) Methods and Means for Collection and Transport of Fecal Sludge in Fecal Sludge Management: Systems Approach for Implementation and Operation, IWA Publishing
Mazeau A.P. and Ramsay J.E. (2011). Reconsidering shared sanitation facilities in Sub-Saharan African cities: example of Freetown, Sierra Leone. 35th WEDC Conference, Loughborough, UK
What pathway did you take into WASH and urban sanitation?
I began working in WASH in emergencies with NGOs. Seeing the needs in the WASH sector, I gradually switched focus to sanitation and hygiene, completing an MSc and Phd at WEDC in Loughborough, UK.
What can you say about your passion for working in WASH and urban sanitation?
I am attracted to the complexity of the urban sanitation sector where there are often so many diverse, yet interlinked issues which need to be considered when solving problems.
Describe the range of your WASH and urban sanitation experience.
My early experience was emergency response work and program management in post emergency settings. My focus now is on assessment, research and strategy development in urban sanitation and hygiene, working predominantly on market-based approaches and behaviour change.
Which clients have you worked for?
I generally work with a variety of different clients including NGOs such as Oxfam, municipalities, consulting firms and institutions such as the World Bank.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently supporting the strategy development for sanitation market landscaping and private sector involvement for the West African sub-region.
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Market research on private sector drinking water vending and sanitation services delivery in metropolitan areas of Haïti. The research really gave me the opportunity to explore complex issues in a dynamic and changing environment, with people that you don’t normally talk to. Discovering and making this knowledge available, was very satisfying.
When not at work, what are you doing?
I spend my spare time looking after chickens and bees for egg and honey production as well as making home-made apple juice. I also have a growing collection of traditional sling shots which I add to on my travels!
Mazeau, A. P., Reed B.J. and Sansom K.R. (December 2013). Emerging categories of urban shared sanitation. Water and Environment Journal
Mazeau, A. P., Tumwebaze, I.K., Lüthi, C. and Sansom K.R. (October 2013). Inclusion of Shared Sanitation in Urban Sanitation Coverage? Evidence from Ghana and Uganda
Mazeau, A.P., Scott, R.E. (2015). Should NGOs lead post-emergency sanitation marketing? Experience from Jacmel, Haiti. 38th WEDC
Mazeau, A.P., Reed, B.J., Sansom, K.R, Scott, R.E. (2014). Selection and use determinants of shared toilet facilities in Ashaiman, Ghana. 37th WEDC Conference
Mazeau, A.P., Wellington, N., Drabble, S., Asante, F. and Awantugo, D. (2014). Bringing back toilets to Kumasi’s compound houses: landlord and tenant behaviours and motivators. 37th WEDC Conference
What pathway did you take into WASH and urban sanitation?
I am a trained architect and while writing my PhD on housing typologies in the suburbs of Maputo, Mozambique, I developed an interest in WASH. Following this I completed a couple of further trainings on the subject and managed to gain practical experience while working in urban development projects in Nepal. Since then, I have worked almost exclusively in WASH across Africa.
What can you say about your passion for working in WASH and urban sanitation?
WASH is such a key stone of our development; its complexities are fascinating! I especially enjoy the opportunity of working with communities, local authorities, ministerial level, private sector, and donors, while building strong implementation partnerships.
Describe the range of your WASH and urban sanitation experience.
I worked in the past years in many different positions, but my role was always to steer and manage the different actors and activities of the projects and to develop and move these forwards with a focus on the technical quality of implementation.
Which clients have you worked for?
I generally work with a variety of different clients including NGOs, consulting firms and institutions/ development agencies. I have worked both as a consultant but also as permanent staff.
What are you currently working on?
I am providing technical assistance to education projects for The World Bank in both Angola and São Tomé e Príncipe. I am also working on a project to improve sanitation around the Lake Victoria, including the 5 countries in the catchment area. Finally, I am handing over my 4 plus years as Regional Technical Advisor for WaterAid in Southern Africa.
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
I really enjoyed working in Sierra Leone thought-out the years. I have worked on improving sanitation in Freetown through enabling environment strengthening, private sector development and community empowerment, among others. I especially liked this project because it is so complex and challenging and I had to adapt and be flexible constantly.
When not at work, what are you doing?
Travelling with my husband, 2 children and 1 dog! We have lived in 3 continents and really like exploring and discover new things.
If you would like to know more about our services or would like to partner with us, you can reach out to any one of the team via the team profile pages, or simply email
i-san is often looking for talented people to work with us. If you are interested please contact us for current opportunities.
