African countries told to decentralise water services

By Prossy Nandudu

KAMPALA - With less than five years left for countries under the United Nations to ensure that their citizens have access to clean and safe water by 2030, academicians in the water sector are calling for decentralisation of water services.

According to Eddy Moors from IHE Delft Institute for Water, Africa may not be able to achieve water for all as per the UN’s target through SDG Goal 6 by 2030.

He, however, suggests that for the target to be met, decentralising water services should be embraced by water supply companies.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the just concluded 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress and Exhibition, which was held at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo in Kampala city.

“We have to think about how to do so in a decentralised way. When you look at peri-urban areas and the rate at which villages are becoming cities, water and sanitation continues to be a bigger problem,” he said.

Adding institutions such as the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), working with partners, should intensify education of the masses on how to manage the available water resources through the newly launched African Water and Sanitation Academy.

Ghetto Kids drama group entertain delegates at the 22nd Africa Water and Sanitation Association International Congress at Speke Resort Convention center Munyonyo. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

According to NWSC managing director Dr Silver Mugisha, the centre will offer leadership courses in water management, offer leadership skills, mindset and attitude change towards water issues among others.

Mugisha added that the academy will also spearhead initiatives that will improve livelihoods by providing enhanced training and leadership for water professionals.

How decentralised water services will help

Moors added that depending on a specific city or country, one of the solutions is the promotion of community-based decision-making processes. These will make it easier for the community to pay for the services and maintain them. 

“Through continuous interactions between utility companies and communities, the introduction of some technical solutions will be easier and how these can be implemented will be handled under water governance training sessions at the academy,” he added.

The Congress organised by Uganda through NWSC, supported by Grundfos and Stabex International, among others, ran under the theme "Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa” and attracted participants from 40 countries who discussed water challenges through six tracks.

From Track 1, which is Climate Change and Integrated Water Resource Management, participants agreed to incorporate climate change resilient options in the design, development and operation of water and sanitation infrastructure; Promote equitable and sustainable use of water resources; Scale environment and catchment protection and restoration interventions, among others.

Under Track 2, which is Water Management, participants agreed to strengthen utility management across all segments, including urban, rural, urban-rural poor and other vulnerable communities; Adopt innovative and appropriate management frameworks to maintain high functionality and improve the sustainability of water supply schemes and systems.

Third deputy Prime minister, Rukia Nakadama and Ivory Coast water minister Laurent Tchagba interact at the Africa Water and Sanitation Association congress at Speke Resort. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Other areas that were discussed, include accelerated sanitation access and coverage through innovative financing mechanisms, appropriate technology adoption and complementary partnerships and collaborations, and improving utility performance and operational efficiency as one of the measures to reduce the financing gaps.

Participants also committed to investing in research and innovation, embracing digital transformation in the utility processes based on the actual utility needs among other resolutions.

Cameroon to host AFWASA conference

To continue with the work of the sector, AfWASA managing director Dr Blaise Moussa was decorated as the incoming president, since his country will be hosting the 23rd congress next year in the capital Yaounde. He takes over from Mugisha. 

Over 2,500 participants took part in this year’s congress, according to congress organisers.