Oxfam-GB responded to flawed water systems in Vietnam by forming and building capacity of community-based user groups as an effective way to ensure the quality and life of development infrastructure construction. Moreover, such community-based user groups help maximize the use of government investment and people’s contribution. In addition, the process helps people to be aware of their rights—including the right to form, join and participate in NGOs, associations or groups to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The government had invested in the same type of water systems in other places where community-based water users associations were not formed. However, few households wanted to use the water system because of high connection fees and water charges, as well as lack of timely repair. As a result, the water management system was insufficient in meeting people’s needs. Oxfam-GB organized a pilot program of two community-based water management systems in two poor and disaster vulnerable communes in two districts in the Mekong Delta.

A water users association was formed for each proposed water system comprising about 100-150 households. All users were informed of the amount of funds available to run the project as well as their roles and responsibilities. Those households were involved in designing the pipeline system, discussing and implementing their own regulations and contribution, and selecting their own representatives. Each association selected five key representatives.

These representatives, on behalf of the association, are involved in monitoring the progress of construction, the costs, and supervising the types of materials to use for the infrastructure project. They can take immediate action or inform their partners regarding the necessity to take action if the construction was not being implemented as it was planned. When the completed water system was handed over, the community association then directly distributed water, maintained and repaired the system in a timely fashion if there was any breakdown. They collected water fees to cover the system’s operation and maintenance costs. They periodically convened meetings with all users to give them updates on the management of the water system and financial disclosure. 

As a result, each community water association was able to reach an agreed upon water price for the purposes of operation and maintenance of the system for all users (0.1 USD/m3); gained increased ownership of the community for the design, operation and maintenance; and ensured that there were available resource technicians in the community to take timely action in case of breakdowns. Oxfam-GB is advocating that the government applies this model of community-based user groups in small-scale infrastructure development projects and to eventually expand the model to larger scale infrastructure projects.

Construction works are usually decided and managed by the government with limited consultation with the community, especially the poor and marginalized groups. This tactic brings an effective or visible model to persuade the government to see the long-term benefits of community participation. Community based user associations enable local people to actively participate in community issues and empowers them to better use their resources and create a better civil society.

New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.