TNUSSP TSU

The Government of Tamil Nadu (GoTN) has been a pioneer in the sanitation sector by recognising the importance of full sanitation coverage as cire to improved standards of public health. It has prioritised the full cycle of sanitation, including the strengthening of septage management as an economical and sustainable complement to network-based sewerage systems. The IIHS-led Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) aids the GoTN in scaling urban sanitation, especially faecal sludge management (FSM) solutions across the state. Launched with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), TNUSSP has been set up as a technical support unit (TSU) within GoTN’s Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department. TNUSSP provides support to GoTN, for requisite policies, regulations, and financing; infrastructure design and technology; quality assurance; capacity building and behaviour change communications. TNUSSP is currently working in relevant urban locations to test and demonstrate approaches, build credibility for innovations, and understand on-the-ground challenges. The team works with urban local bodies, the private informal sector and diverse urban communities including the urban poor, women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and sanitation workers. The programme, led by the team at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) works in collaboration with other organisations.