Fortaleciendo la Rendición de Cuentas en los Servicios de Agua

Fortalecer los espacios de transparencia, or strengthening transparency spaces, has been crucial in increasing trust among community members. USAID|NEXOS has been instrumental in promoting these mechanisms, which reinforce social audit processes. In the municipality of La Jigua, department of Copán, a process of accountability was promoted to users of the urban water service. With the support of local authorities and technical assistance from USAID|NEXOS, the community was able to establish a transparent and accountable system. The transfer of the Water Potable Board, administered by civil society, marked a significant step towards transparency and trust within the community. Zoila Zerón, a housewife, widow, and mother of five, who served as treasurer of the Board of Directors from 2011 to 2013, highlighted the importance of USAID|NEXOS' support. For the first time in the municipality, the community was able to present and deliver clear accounts to the community through an open town hall meeting, attended by over 187 representatives from civil society, local government, and community members. As part of the technical assistance provided by USAID|NEXOS, a program was established to accompany the transfer process and exercise of accountability, offering training and capacity-building to document the accountability process efficiently within the community. The Board of Directors presented a report on their management, including information on both technical and financial areas, as well as results obtained during the period. Zerón, who was reappointed as treasurer in the current board, emphasized the enormous challenge of managing resources transparently in this new management. She also highlighted that this was an innovative process, as more than 10 representatives from rural water boards were invited to replicate this experience and adopt new democratic management processes for water services. These local initiatives are part of the work of USAID|NEXOS, which aims to increase active and conscious citizen participation in the organization, planning, operation, sustainability, and accountability of local services. By promoting accountability and transparency, USAID|NEXOS seeks to strengthen control social mechanisms and foster a culture of transparent processes in patronates, water boards, and government and social organizations. In the municipality of La Jigua, community members are promoting accountability in water and sanitation services. USAID|NEXOS is working to strengthen control social mechanisms through accountability, promoting a culture of transparent processes in patronates, water boards, and government and social organizations. This type of process also builds relationships of trust, respect, and transparency within the community.