Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Mondial India reached a significant milestone in their journey towards improved sanitation. Hosted by Her Excellency Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, a special event at her residence commemorated the construction of 2 million toilets. This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering support and hard work of our partners, stakeholders, and dedicated team members.
Figure 1 Her Excellency Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India hosting FINISH Mondial India team in her residence in New Delhi
Imagine a world where 3.4 billion people lack access to safe sanitation, where 80% of waste ends up untreated, polluting our environment. In this reality, over 2,000 children perish daily from waterborne diseases, surpassing the combined toll of AIDS, malaria, and measles. The challenge deepens as sanitation programs struggle to keep pace with population growth, leaving millions stranded without basic sanitation.
In 2009, amidst this crisis, FINISH emerged in India with a grand vision supported by DGIS funding: to construct 500,000 safely managed sanitation systems. Seven years of tireless effort bore fruit, but the need persisted, driving FINISH forward to achieve another million within three years.
Ms. Sarbani Bhattacharya, Chair of the Supervisory Board at FINISH Mondial, emphasizes the programme’s unique approach. FINISH Mondial does not finance hardware, it successfully mobilizes commercial finance by leveraging from microfinance institutions (MFIs) and community finance (self-financing). Employing the “diamond approach,” it collaborates with local partners, focusing on behavioral change communication and community outreach to spur sanitation demand. Technical and business training for local entrepreneurs and masons further enhances the sanitation supply chain. In a symbiotic relationship with MFIs, FINISH Mondial supports their capacity development and monitors progress in the field, incentivizing results.
Figure 2 Ms. Sarbani Bhattacharya, Chair of the Supervisory Board at FINISH Mondial talks about FINISH Mondial’s unique approach and impact created.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Theo Brouwers, Member Treasurer of the Supervisory Board, highlights FINISH’s commitment to financial innovation. From empowering the informal sector to pioneering sanitation-focused lending, FINISH pushes boundaries. The Sanitation and Water Impact Fund, a testament to this ambition, targets institutional investors, amplifying FINISH’s reach and impact.
Figure 3 Mr. Theo Brouwers, Member Treasurer of the Supervisory Board highlights the onset of Sanitation and Water Impact Fund as a result of FINISH Mondial’s successful financial innovations.
The panel discussion on circularity in sanitation was truly engaging, delving into innovative approaches from human waste treatment to converting it into soil-enrichening co-compost. It’s inspiring to witness the convergence of sustainability, waste management, and financial innovation in driving impactful business models.
With diverse perspectives from industry, research institutes, and financial institutions, the panel sparked thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of environmental safeguarding and economic viability. These conversations are vital as we strive to create solutions that not only address pressing challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Figure 4 Panel discussion on circularity in sanitation and financial inclusion.
Since its expansion to Kenya in 2013, FINISH has transformed lives, providing over 180,000 people with improved sanitation. The journey continued with expansion to Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, fueled by DGIS’s unwavering support, quadrupling €4.57 million to €20 million.
This growth transcends numbers; it signifies hope for millions where people are willing to pay for a good quality safely managed sanitation system. With over 2 million safely managed sanitation systems built, over 20 million workdays for local entrepreneurs created and €500 million mobilized locally, FINISH stands as a beacon of progress. Evolving from a project to a global organization, FINISH’s dedicated foundation drives innovation and impact, promising a future where safely managed sanitation is not a luxury but a fundamental right.