The fundamental goal of the programme is to improve the living condition of the urban poor in the Mekong Region and protect local environments. In order to meet its overall goal, MEKWATSAN aims to:

• Expedite pro-poor water and sanitation investments in secondary towns
  
• Enhance institutional and human resource capacities at local and regional levels
  
• Operationalise sector reforms
  
• Enhance capacities of local private sector entities in service delivery
  
• Reduce the adverse environmental impact of urbanization on local environment
  
• Support economic development in secondary towns through improved water and sanitation, and related income generating activities
  
• Support cooperation between the countries of the Mekong Region