The programme had five components which have strong interconnections:

• Development of the WASH sector;
• Development of a delta plan (for surroundings of Cotonou) and a multi-sector approach (with emphasis on water and socio-economic developments);
• Technical assistance for above developments;
• Fund Manager for NGO and Private sector initiatives in the field of WASH and IWRM;
• Financial and programme support to other donors in the field of WASH and IWRM.

A framework (theory of change) was developed for the overall programme, with an overview of policy relevance, objectives, indicators, activities and results/outcomes. For each component, guiding principles for implementation of good governance, reorganisation needs and capacity building activities, inclusion of youth, and promotion of gender quality were defined.