Measure whether the tap actually runs
The problem
Household connection figures count pipes, not water. A connection that supplies water twice a week is counted the same as one that runs daily.
Why it matters
Unreliable supply forces households to buy water, and the burden of collection falls disproportionately on women and girls.
Proposed solution
A citizen-reported supply reliability record: hours of supply per week, by locality, alongside the official connection figure.
How it would be implemented
Structured weekly reports from residents in covered localities, published with the report count.
Risks, and what we would do about them
Risk
Self-selected reporting over-represents areas with problems.
Mitigation
Always publish report counts. Never present as a census. Actively seek reports from areas with no complaints.