Rural Water and Sanitation database (RUWAS) plays a critical role in planning, budgeting and reporting of District Water Sanitation conditional Grant and hence overseeing the efficient use of district-level water and sanitation grants. Its primary objectives include the mobilization and allocation of resources to local governments, as well as providing technical assistance to ensure the successful planning, implementation, and management of water systems. RUWAS ensures that financial resources are effectively distributed and used for the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure, including both gravity flow and large motorized piped water schemes. These systems are vital for improving access to clean water and sanitation across rural districts, thus enhancing public health and quality of life.

At the core of the RUWAS program is a comprehensive database that aggregates information on the utilization of water and sanitation grants. This database not only tracks resource allocation but also monitors the progress of water scheme projects across local government. The system gathers detailed data on both the financial and technical aspects of each project being implemented under the local government, ensuring that the implementation of water schemes is transparent and aligned with local government priorities. This centralized data collection system allows for better coordination with other systems such as WASMIS hence connecting the inflow of data.

District water officers play a vital role in the success of the RUWAS system. They serve as data entrants who input critical information of the plans and reporting of the financial year which are part of the dashboard provided by RUWAS. This facilitates the input of detailed data on water schemes, grant allocation, and progress reports. The dashboard also offers access to essential tools for tracking financial data, generating reports, and managing overall project administration. With these resources, district officers can more easily monitor the use of funds, assess the effectiveness of water schemes, and ensure that projects remain on track.

The process begins with the data entrant submitting the workplan or information, which is then forwarded to the regional level for review. At this stage, the regional team examines the submission, providing feedback or advice to the data entrant if necessary. The data entrant, based on the regional feedback, makes any required revisions and resubmits the workplan. Finally, the revised submission is sent to the central authority, where a decision is made to either approve or reject the workplan. This multi-step review process ensures that the information is thoroughly assessed before the final decision is made.

By integrating these functionalities, the RUWAS system improves the efficiency and effectiveness of water and sanitation projects at the district level. It enhances accountability, supports data-driven decision-making, and ensures that resources are used in the most effective way possible. The ability to generate detailed reports and track project progress in real-time provides both local and central authorities with the necessary insights to make informed decisions and address challenges as they arise. As such, RUWAS plays a pivotal role in the development of sustainable water and sanitation systems that benefit communities across rural regions and enables timely decision-making based on accurate, up-to-date information.