Sanitation financial tools (SFTs) for citywide inclusive sanitation (CWIS): A critical review

Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) is an approach for safely managed sanitation service provision aimed at achieving three core outcomes: equity, safety, and sustainability, which is crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Financial planning is vital in promoting safe and sustainable sanitation services; hence, this study critically examines current Sanitation Financial Tools (SFTs) and the extent to which they incorporate the core CWIS outcomes. The analysis revealed that most tools consider these CWIS outcomes in isolation, if at all, and commonly neglect specific financial needs of low-income populations, protection of sanitation workers, gender equity, and disregard the financial sustainability of sanitation service provision. The findings underscore an urgent need for improved financial planning aligned with CWIS outcomes that support equitable, safe, and sustainable sanitation at scale, which contributes to informed decision-making for sustainable sanitation services. • None of the Sanitation Financial Tools addresses all Citywide Inclusive Sanitation outcomes. • Most neglect non-domestic sources, user interface, and semi-mechanical emptying. • Differentiation between low-income population and sanitation services is required. • Sanitation workers' legal support, training, PPE, and health costs are imperative. • Reuse should not be the only revenue source; taxes and tariffs must be considered.