The Challenge to Do Things Differently

The account of the activities of the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre in 1997 reflects the dynamic support IRC provides to help change the water and sanitation sector and the challenge it has taken on to do things differently in house. With over 1.2 billion people without safe water supply and close to 3 billion lacking adequate sanitation, it is essential for the sector to become more efficient and effective and to look at new opportunities.

To position itself in the changing environment a policy framework was developed by the IRC staff following up the recommendations of the external evaluation completed in 1996 and subsequent suggestions of the Governing Board. This framework has now been translated into a business plan and a revised organizational structure. Another welcome development for the organization was the establishment of a Works Council that represents the staff in formal discussions with the Management and the Governing Board.

Under new guidance, an increased workload and periods of uncertainty placed very high demands on staff, both in terms of time and in terms of trust in the organization. With great commitment from all involved, IRC has made it through a turbulent year, and calmer waters are ahead. At the end of the year the Governing Board confirmed the position of Mr. Jan Teun Visscher as the new Director of IRC.

The coming year will see further changes in IRC. Implementation of its new business plan and its revised organizational structure will place new demands on staff. The business plan gives direction to staff, and sets priorities for the coming years. At the same time, it provides sufficient flexibility to react to a changing sector environment. It prioritizes capacity building, electronic information exchange, and strengthening partnerships with organizations in the South and in the North. The revised organizational structure distinguishes three sections in which the staff is organized: the research and development section, the information, training and advice section and the services section. The structure delineates responsibilities at different levels, with a view to enhancing accountability.

The turn of events in 1997 has demonstrated again the strong and lasting commitment of the IRC staff. The two supporting Dutch ministries confirmed their interest in the work of IRC and agreed to provide long-term support to enable it to undertake a number of important tasks. This commitment, together with the dedication of the staff, provide an essential basis for the future of the organization and assure its sustainability. The Governing Board and staff are grateful for the long-term commitment towards IRC undertaken by the ministries of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, and Foreign Affairs.

J.B. Hoekman
Chairman, IRC Governing Board