Dennis Mwanza - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Dennis Mwanza
Utility and city managers, civil society organizations, and communities should be given the skill... more Utility and city managers, civil society organizations, and communities should be given the skills, confidence, and capacity to bring about effective change. There are many examples in India of agencies that have demonstrated imagination, resourcefulness, and commitment in their approach to serving the poor, with excellent results both for the people and the service provider. Some good practices from water and sanitation utilities and other sectors such as electricity are summarized in these notes. The Water and Sanitation Program is an international partnership for improving water and sanitation sector policies, practices, and capacities to serve poor people
Springer eBooks, Feb 23, 2006
Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth S... more Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth Summit might well have been called a Water Summit as our planet is 70% water and it is water, or the lack of it, which will cause many problems in the 21st Century. In dry areas like the Middle East, nations threaten to go to war about it. 2. Water is abundant in Africa on a regional scale but is unevenly distributed by nature. Although a few African countries have high annual averages of water per person, many already or soon will face waterstress (2,000 m 3 or less per person annually) or scarcity conditions (1,000 m 3 or less per person annually) where the population cannot be sustained with available water resources (see Table 1). Given current population projections, over 400 million people are expected to be living in at least 17 water-scarce African countries by the year 2010. Their lack of water will severely constrain food production, ecosystem protection and economic development (WWI, 1993, pp. 24-25). 3. Throughout Africa water is also unfairly allocated by man. With recurring droughts and chronic water shortages in many areas the majority of African countries and people pay an increasingly high price for water or the lack of it. The highest price is often paid by the poor majority of people in terms of money to buy small quantities of water, calories expended to fetch water from distant sources, impaired health, diminished livelihoods and even lost lives. Today over 300 million people in Africa still do not have reasonable access to safe water. Even more lack adequate sanitation (see Table 2). 4. Aquatic species, habitats and ecosystems are also at risk. With increasing water demand throughout Africa to support greater agricultural productivity, industrial expansion and urban growth, more water to meet human needs means less for maintaining aquatic ecosystems and the many other species and environmental services they support. 5. Water in Africa is crucial for sustainable national development but is rarely confined to the boundaries of a single country. With over 50 major international water basins in Africa, most water is shared by two or more countries. Most international basins are without any agreements on equitable use or environmental protection. Few have effective institutional arrangements for consultation or cooperation. Procedures for avoiding or resolving international disputes over water are largely lacking. 6. The key water supply and demand issues and challenges to meet human and environmental needs within and among African countries are reflected in Agenda 21. Chapter 18, the main Agenda 21 chapter on water resources, has more text (over 40 pages) and recommendations for national and international action (over 275) than most of the other 37 substantive chapters. Over 20 additional recommendations on water are made in nine other chapters. All of the Agenda 21 recommendations on water are identified and summarized in a separate document for the Experts Group Meeting. Agenda 21: Water for Sustainable Development 7. Part 1 of the following report focuses on the main objectives, targets and priority activities for Africa of the many Agenda 21 recommendations on water resources. It starts with a summary of the overall objective for integrated water management and then briefly presents and examines the seven main programme areas in Chapter 18 of Agenda 21. Cross references are made in each section to relevant recommendations in other Agenda 21 chapters. Each section concludes with a list of key issues and questions for discussion at the Experts Group Meeting. Overall Objective for Integrated Water Management 8. The overall objective stated in Agenda 21 is to make certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet while preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities within the capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases. Main Programme Areas on Water 9. Chapter 18 in Agenda 21 includes the following seven main programme areas:
Water Science and Technology, Apr 1, 2005
Most public utilities in Africa are operating at very low efficiency levels. This is mainly a res... more Most public utilities in Africa are operating at very low efficiency levels. This is mainly a result of poor governance leading to a downward spiral in terms of service to customers. Nearly in every case, studies have shown that the root cause of these problems is not necessarily lack of investment but poor choices with regard to sector policies, institutional and regulatory frameworks. The paper will seek to show the need for effective regulatory framework that promotes Good Governance of public utilities leading to their efficient performance. The paper will draw lessons from the Australian water services regulatory framework and apply it to the African water situation. The Australian regulatory framework has been instrumental in promoting Good Governance in the public utilities hence being run efficiently. It is recognised that the African Water and Sanitation Sector where most public utilities are not operating under a clearly defined regulatory framework can learn a lot from the Australian experience.
This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regula... more This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation of urban water services in Sub- Saharan Africa. Urban water service delivery mainly supplied by state owned utilities is constrained due to many factors one of which is related to insufficient or lack of a clear economic regulatory framework. The research used a multiple case study approach and systematically analysed the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services in three countries of Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. Based on literature as the source of information, the research developed the existing political and socio-economic environment in the different countries which can affect the design and determination of the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation. A further analysis was made of the perceptions on the roles and institutional arrangements of the regulatory framework in the Sub-Saharan African context through a questionnaire distributed beyond the three case countries. The study obtained primary data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, official documents and observations. Lessons obtained through literature from regulatory institutions in other continents have also been included and these are Jamaica, Latvia, Jakarta in Indonesia, and England and Wales. The factors which can affect the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services were divided into three groups as: including country governance, socioeconomic and sectoral factors. Country governance factors, which include political stability and fragility, are a key factor in the decision of whether to establish a regulatory agency. On the other hand, socio-economic factors influence the focus or areas which must not be ignored by economic regulation. The third type of factors which include the robustness of a policy framework, and performance levels of utilities, affect the effectiveness and efficiency of an economic regulator. Based on the evidence from the research, economic regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa should address five key roles, which are [i] approval of tariffs that will lead to service providers achieving commercial viability, [ii] "consumer protection" [iii] monitoring and enforcing performance standards, [iv] setting up of a knowledge bank on urban water services, and [v] ensuring that the poor gain sustained access to water services. There are a number of specific regulatory functions within each role. Sub-Saharan African countries are in a unique situation where the urban poor comprise as much as 60% of the urban population and so cannot be ignored in the design of a regulatory framework. The conclusion from this research is that in order to achieve the perceived benefits of economic regulation of urban water services in Sub-Saharan Africa, and subject to conducive and appropriate political and socio-economic environment, the more appropriate institutional arrangements is an autonomous regulatory agency. The autonomy of the regulatory agency will be enhanced if it has its own legal status, and is able to develop, manage and control its own budget financed from a regulatory fee charged on the regulated water providers. Governments should be willing to relinquish regulatory decision making powers to this non-political and non-governmental body. The reporting and appointing mechanisms for the board could also have an influence on the autonomy of the regulator. The research further concludes that economic regulation of urban water services is a necessary but perhaps not sufficient condition for efficient and effective delivery of urban water services. It is not a panacea to the enormous problems of urban water services but can play a very effective role. The research has further found that it is too early to determine the impact of utility regulation on the performance levels of utilities in those countries that have a clearly defined regulatory framework. Utility regulation is still in its infancy in Sub-Saharan Africa and its impact is therefore a subject for further research.
The World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2005
Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth S... more Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth Summit might well have been called a Water Summit as our planet is 70% water and it is water, or the lack of it, which will cause many problems in the 21st Century. In dry areas like the Middle East, nations threaten to go to war about it. 2. Water is abundant in Africa on a regional scale but is unevenly distributed by nature. Although a few African countries have high annual averages of water per person, many already or soon will face waterstress (2,000 m 3 or less per person annually) or scarcity conditions (1,000 m 3 or less per person annually) where the population cannot be sustained with available water resources (see Table 1). Given current population projections, over 400 million people are expected to be living in at least 17 water-scarce African countries by the year 2010. Their lack of water will severely constrain food production, ecosystem protection and economic development (WWI, 1993, pp. 24-25). 3. Throughout Africa water is also unfairly allocated by man. With recurring droughts and chronic water shortages in many areas the majority of African countries and people pay an increasingly high price for water or the lack of it. The highest price is often paid by the poor majority of people in terms of money to buy small quantities of water, calories expended to fetch water from distant sources, impaired health, diminished livelihoods and even lost lives. Today over 300 million people in Africa still do not have reasonable access to safe water. Even more lack adequate sanitation (see Table 2). 4. Aquatic species, habitats and ecosystems are also at risk. With increasing water demand throughout Africa to support greater agricultural productivity, industrial expansion and urban growth, more water to meet human needs means less for maintaining aquatic ecosystems and the many other species and environmental services they support. 5. Water in Africa is crucial for sustainable national development but is rarely confined to the boundaries of a single country. With over 50 major international water basins in Africa, most water is shared by two or more countries. Most international basins are without any agreements on equitable use or environmental protection. Few have effective institutional arrangements for consultation or cooperation. Procedures for avoiding or resolving international disputes over water are largely lacking. 6. The key water supply and demand issues and challenges to meet human and environmental needs within and among African countries are reflected in Agenda 21. Chapter 18, the main Agenda 21 chapter on water resources, has more text (over 40 pages) and recommendations for national and international action (over 275) than most of the other 37 substantive chapters. Over 20 additional recommendations on water are made in nine other chapters. All of the Agenda 21 recommendations on water are identified and summarized in a separate document for the Experts Group Meeting. Agenda 21: Water for Sustainable Development 7. Part 1 of the following report focuses on the main objectives, targets and priority activities for Africa of the many Agenda 21 recommendations on water resources. It starts with a summary of the overall objective for integrated water management and then briefly presents and examines the seven main programme areas in Chapter 18 of Agenda 21. Cross references are made in each section to relevant recommendations in other Agenda 21 chapters. Each section concludes with a list of key issues and questions for discussion at the Experts Group Meeting. Overall Objective for Integrated Water Management 8. The overall objective stated in Agenda 21 is to make certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet while preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities within the capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases. Main Programme Areas on Water 9. Chapter 18 in Agenda 21 includes the following seven main programme areas:
This a summary report of the proceedings of a Good Practices to Serve the Urban Poor Workshop for... more This a summary report of the proceedings of a Good Practices to Serve the Urban Poor Workshop for Utility Managers and Training Institutions, held in Nairobi, Kenya from February 9 - 11, 2004. The Nairobi workshop brought together WSS utilities. Training Centers specialized in water and sanitation services as well as an NGO. The workshop reviewed the Better Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor Good Practice from the sub-Saharan Africa's Good Practices Document - GPD) and the Toolkit in Water and Sanitation Services for the Urban Poor, and recommended that they be used as source material for the development of training of training programs specifically targeted at building up the capacity of WSS utilities and their country partners to improve WSS services to low-income urban communities. This report reproduces the Conference Agenda, case presentations, the opening and closing comments and speeches, participants evaluation and comments, conclusion and recommendations.
Africa has the lowest water supply and sanitation coverage of any region in the world. More than ... more Africa has the lowest water supply and sanitation coverage of any region in the world. More than 1 in 3 Africans have no access to improved water supply or to sanitation facilities. Coverage levels in 2000 for both water supply (62%) and sanitation (60%) are about the same. The sad reality is that the total number of people without these services is increasing; unless we act now, the absolute number will double by 2020 from 200 million to 400 million1. The majority of these people will be those living in informal or peri-urban areas and rural communities.
This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regula... more This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation of urban water services in Sub- Saharan Africa. Urban water service delivery mainly supplied by state owned utilities is constrained due to many factors one of which is related to insufficient or lack of a clear economic regulatory framework. The research used a multiple case study approach and systematically analysed the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services in three countries of Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. Based on literature as the source of information, the research developed the existing political and socio-economic environment in the different countries which can affect the design and determination of the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation. A further analysis was made of the perceptions on the roles and institutional arrangements of the regulatory framework in the Sub-Saharan African context through a qu...
Through its Project # 5, the Water Utility Partnership (WUP) took up the mission of helping Afric... more Through its Project # 5, the Water Utility Partnership (WUP) took up the mission of helping African water and sanitation utilities to act on the challenge of extending safe water and hygienic sanitation services to the growing number of poor households in African cities. WSP-AF was the executing partner for the project which benefited from the support of many members of the Union of African Water Suppliers (UAWS) which is WUP institutional anchor. The core funding for WUP # 5 was provided by a grant from the European Commission. The initial findings of WUP # 5 were reviewed and endorsed by African WSS utility managers at Abidjan Workshop (2001). This provided the basis for the preparation by end of 2003, of WUP # 5 final products: the book Better Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor: Good Practice from sub-Saharan Africa (Good Practice Document, GPD) and the Toolkit on Water and Sanitation Services for the Urban Poor (in the format of an interactive website and a CD-ROM). Both are considered of high quality and relevance. Their distinctive value derive from the fact that they are based on the actual practice of African WSS utilities. WUP and its partners are now engaged in a campaign to disseminate the GPD and the Toolkit. One of the key element of this effort is to leverage them through training. Following the contacts established with several ITN Centers' at their latest annual Conference (Nov. 2003), the ITNs, WUP and WSP-AF agreed to organize a workshop to introduce the GPD and the Toolkit to ITN Training Centers. The Nairobi Workshop brought together WSS utilities, Training Centers specialized in water and sanitation services as well as an NGO. The Workshop reviewed the GPD and the Toolkit and recommended that they be used as source material for the development of training programs specifically targeted at building up the capacity of WSS utilities and their country partners to improve WSS services to low-income urban communities. The Workshop produced an action plan which is being pursued by the ITNs with WUP and WSP-AF in a facilitating role. The present proceedings provide the participants with a record of the Workshop. The proceedings will also be made available to a broader audience of trainers and WSS service providers to allow them to share its conclusions and to encourage them to use the Toolkit and the GPD to support their effort to realize our common vision of an Africa where everyone has access to safe water and hygienic sanitation.
Utility and city managers, civil society organizations, and communities should be given the skill... more Utility and city managers, civil society organizations, and communities should be given the skills, confidence, and capacity to bring about effective change. There are many examples in India of agencies that have demonstrated imagination, resourcefulness, and commitment in their approach to serving the poor, with excellent results both for the people and the service provider. Some good practices from water and sanitation utilities and other sectors such as electricity are summarized in these notes. The Water and Sanitation Program is an international partnership for improving water and sanitation sector policies, practices, and capacities to serve poor people
Springer eBooks, Feb 23, 2006
Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth S... more Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth Summit might well have been called a Water Summit as our planet is 70% water and it is water, or the lack of it, which will cause many problems in the 21st Century. In dry areas like the Middle East, nations threaten to go to war about it. 2. Water is abundant in Africa on a regional scale but is unevenly distributed by nature. Although a few African countries have high annual averages of water per person, many already or soon will face waterstress (2,000 m 3 or less per person annually) or scarcity conditions (1,000 m 3 or less per person annually) where the population cannot be sustained with available water resources (see Table 1). Given current population projections, over 400 million people are expected to be living in at least 17 water-scarce African countries by the year 2010. Their lack of water will severely constrain food production, ecosystem protection and economic development (WWI, 1993, pp. 24-25). 3. Throughout Africa water is also unfairly allocated by man. With recurring droughts and chronic water shortages in many areas the majority of African countries and people pay an increasingly high price for water or the lack of it. The highest price is often paid by the poor majority of people in terms of money to buy small quantities of water, calories expended to fetch water from distant sources, impaired health, diminished livelihoods and even lost lives. Today over 300 million people in Africa still do not have reasonable access to safe water. Even more lack adequate sanitation (see Table 2). 4. Aquatic species, habitats and ecosystems are also at risk. With increasing water demand throughout Africa to support greater agricultural productivity, industrial expansion and urban growth, more water to meet human needs means less for maintaining aquatic ecosystems and the many other species and environmental services they support. 5. Water in Africa is crucial for sustainable national development but is rarely confined to the boundaries of a single country. With over 50 major international water basins in Africa, most water is shared by two or more countries. Most international basins are without any agreements on equitable use or environmental protection. Few have effective institutional arrangements for consultation or cooperation. Procedures for avoiding or resolving international disputes over water are largely lacking. 6. The key water supply and demand issues and challenges to meet human and environmental needs within and among African countries are reflected in Agenda 21. Chapter 18, the main Agenda 21 chapter on water resources, has more text (over 40 pages) and recommendations for national and international action (over 275) than most of the other 37 substantive chapters. Over 20 additional recommendations on water are made in nine other chapters. All of the Agenda 21 recommendations on water are identified and summarized in a separate document for the Experts Group Meeting. Agenda 21: Water for Sustainable Development 7. Part 1 of the following report focuses on the main objectives, targets and priority activities for Africa of the many Agenda 21 recommendations on water resources. It starts with a summary of the overall objective for integrated water management and then briefly presents and examines the seven main programme areas in Chapter 18 of Agenda 21. Cross references are made in each section to relevant recommendations in other Agenda 21 chapters. Each section concludes with a list of key issues and questions for discussion at the Experts Group Meeting. Overall Objective for Integrated Water Management 8. The overall objective stated in Agenda 21 is to make certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet while preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities within the capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases. Main Programme Areas on Water 9. Chapter 18 in Agenda 21 includes the following seven main programme areas:
Water Science and Technology, Apr 1, 2005
Most public utilities in Africa are operating at very low efficiency levels. This is mainly a res... more Most public utilities in Africa are operating at very low efficiency levels. This is mainly a result of poor governance leading to a downward spiral in terms of service to customers. Nearly in every case, studies have shown that the root cause of these problems is not necessarily lack of investment but poor choices with regard to sector policies, institutional and regulatory frameworks. The paper will seek to show the need for effective regulatory framework that promotes Good Governance of public utilities leading to their efficient performance. The paper will draw lessons from the Australian water services regulatory framework and apply it to the African water situation. The Australian regulatory framework has been instrumental in promoting Good Governance in the public utilities hence being run efficiently. It is recognised that the African Water and Sanitation Sector where most public utilities are not operating under a clearly defined regulatory framework can learn a lot from the Australian experience.
This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regula... more This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation of urban water services in Sub- Saharan Africa. Urban water service delivery mainly supplied by state owned utilities is constrained due to many factors one of which is related to insufficient or lack of a clear economic regulatory framework. The research used a multiple case study approach and systematically analysed the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services in three countries of Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. Based on literature as the source of information, the research developed the existing political and socio-economic environment in the different countries which can affect the design and determination of the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation. A further analysis was made of the perceptions on the roles and institutional arrangements of the regulatory framework in the Sub-Saharan African context through a questionnaire distributed beyond the three case countries. The study obtained primary data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, official documents and observations. Lessons obtained through literature from regulatory institutions in other continents have also been included and these are Jamaica, Latvia, Jakarta in Indonesia, and England and Wales. The factors which can affect the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services were divided into three groups as: including country governance, socioeconomic and sectoral factors. Country governance factors, which include political stability and fragility, are a key factor in the decision of whether to establish a regulatory agency. On the other hand, socio-economic factors influence the focus or areas which must not be ignored by economic regulation. The third type of factors which include the robustness of a policy framework, and performance levels of utilities, affect the effectiveness and efficiency of an economic regulator. Based on the evidence from the research, economic regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa should address five key roles, which are [i] approval of tariffs that will lead to service providers achieving commercial viability, [ii] "consumer protection" [iii] monitoring and enforcing performance standards, [iv] setting up of a knowledge bank on urban water services, and [v] ensuring that the poor gain sustained access to water services. There are a number of specific regulatory functions within each role. Sub-Saharan African countries are in a unique situation where the urban poor comprise as much as 60% of the urban population and so cannot be ignored in the design of a regulatory framework. The conclusion from this research is that in order to achieve the perceived benefits of economic regulation of urban water services in Sub-Saharan Africa, and subject to conducive and appropriate political and socio-economic environment, the more appropriate institutional arrangements is an autonomous regulatory agency. The autonomy of the regulatory agency will be enhanced if it has its own legal status, and is able to develop, manage and control its own budget financed from a regulatory fee charged on the regulated water providers. Governments should be willing to relinquish regulatory decision making powers to this non-political and non-governmental body. The reporting and appointing mechanisms for the board could also have an influence on the autonomy of the regulator. The research further concludes that economic regulation of urban water services is a necessary but perhaps not sufficient condition for efficient and effective delivery of urban water services. It is not a panacea to the enormous problems of urban water services but can play a very effective role. The research has further found that it is too early to determine the impact of utility regulation on the performance levels of utilities in those countries that have a clearly defined regulatory framework. Utility regulation is still in its infancy in Sub-Saharan Africa and its impact is therefore a subject for further research.
The World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2005
Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth S... more Its no accident that the two longest chapters in Agenda 21 deal with rivers and seas. The Earth Summit might well have been called a Water Summit as our planet is 70% water and it is water, or the lack of it, which will cause many problems in the 21st Century. In dry areas like the Middle East, nations threaten to go to war about it. 2. Water is abundant in Africa on a regional scale but is unevenly distributed by nature. Although a few African countries have high annual averages of water per person, many already or soon will face waterstress (2,000 m 3 or less per person annually) or scarcity conditions (1,000 m 3 or less per person annually) where the population cannot be sustained with available water resources (see Table 1). Given current population projections, over 400 million people are expected to be living in at least 17 water-scarce African countries by the year 2010. Their lack of water will severely constrain food production, ecosystem protection and economic development (WWI, 1993, pp. 24-25). 3. Throughout Africa water is also unfairly allocated by man. With recurring droughts and chronic water shortages in many areas the majority of African countries and people pay an increasingly high price for water or the lack of it. The highest price is often paid by the poor majority of people in terms of money to buy small quantities of water, calories expended to fetch water from distant sources, impaired health, diminished livelihoods and even lost lives. Today over 300 million people in Africa still do not have reasonable access to safe water. Even more lack adequate sanitation (see Table 2). 4. Aquatic species, habitats and ecosystems are also at risk. With increasing water demand throughout Africa to support greater agricultural productivity, industrial expansion and urban growth, more water to meet human needs means less for maintaining aquatic ecosystems and the many other species and environmental services they support. 5. Water in Africa is crucial for sustainable national development but is rarely confined to the boundaries of a single country. With over 50 major international water basins in Africa, most water is shared by two or more countries. Most international basins are without any agreements on equitable use or environmental protection. Few have effective institutional arrangements for consultation or cooperation. Procedures for avoiding or resolving international disputes over water are largely lacking. 6. The key water supply and demand issues and challenges to meet human and environmental needs within and among African countries are reflected in Agenda 21. Chapter 18, the main Agenda 21 chapter on water resources, has more text (over 40 pages) and recommendations for national and international action (over 275) than most of the other 37 substantive chapters. Over 20 additional recommendations on water are made in nine other chapters. All of the Agenda 21 recommendations on water are identified and summarized in a separate document for the Experts Group Meeting. Agenda 21: Water for Sustainable Development 7. Part 1 of the following report focuses on the main objectives, targets and priority activities for Africa of the many Agenda 21 recommendations on water resources. It starts with a summary of the overall objective for integrated water management and then briefly presents and examines the seven main programme areas in Chapter 18 of Agenda 21. Cross references are made in each section to relevant recommendations in other Agenda 21 chapters. Each section concludes with a list of key issues and questions for discussion at the Experts Group Meeting. Overall Objective for Integrated Water Management 8. The overall objective stated in Agenda 21 is to make certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet while preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities within the capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases. Main Programme Areas on Water 9. Chapter 18 in Agenda 21 includes the following seven main programme areas:
This a summary report of the proceedings of a Good Practices to Serve the Urban Poor Workshop for... more This a summary report of the proceedings of a Good Practices to Serve the Urban Poor Workshop for Utility Managers and Training Institutions, held in Nairobi, Kenya from February 9 - 11, 2004. The Nairobi workshop brought together WSS utilities. Training Centers specialized in water and sanitation services as well as an NGO. The workshop reviewed the Better Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor Good Practice from the sub-Saharan Africa's Good Practices Document - GPD) and the Toolkit in Water and Sanitation Services for the Urban Poor, and recommended that they be used as source material for the development of training of training programs specifically targeted at building up the capacity of WSS utilities and their country partners to improve WSS services to low-income urban communities. This report reproduces the Conference Agenda, case presentations, the opening and closing comments and speeches, participants evaluation and comments, conclusion and recommendations.
Africa has the lowest water supply and sanitation coverage of any region in the world. More than ... more Africa has the lowest water supply and sanitation coverage of any region in the world. More than 1 in 3 Africans have no access to improved water supply or to sanitation facilities. Coverage levels in 2000 for both water supply (62%) and sanitation (60%) are about the same. The sad reality is that the total number of people without these services is increasing; unless we act now, the absolute number will double by 2020 from 200 million to 400 million1. The majority of these people will be those living in informal or peri-urban areas and rural communities.
This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regula... more This research focused on determining the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation of urban water services in Sub- Saharan Africa. Urban water service delivery mainly supplied by state owned utilities is constrained due to many factors one of which is related to insufficient or lack of a clear economic regulatory framework. The research used a multiple case study approach and systematically analysed the roles and institutional arrangements of economic regulation of urban water services in three countries of Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. Based on literature as the source of information, the research developed the existing political and socio-economic environment in the different countries which can affect the design and determination of the roles and institutional arrangements for economic regulation. A further analysis was made of the perceptions on the roles and institutional arrangements of the regulatory framework in the Sub-Saharan African context through a qu...
Through its Project # 5, the Water Utility Partnership (WUP) took up the mission of helping Afric... more Through its Project # 5, the Water Utility Partnership (WUP) took up the mission of helping African water and sanitation utilities to act on the challenge of extending safe water and hygienic sanitation services to the growing number of poor households in African cities. WSP-AF was the executing partner for the project which benefited from the support of many members of the Union of African Water Suppliers (UAWS) which is WUP institutional anchor. The core funding for WUP # 5 was provided by a grant from the European Commission. The initial findings of WUP # 5 were reviewed and endorsed by African WSS utility managers at Abidjan Workshop (2001). This provided the basis for the preparation by end of 2003, of WUP # 5 final products: the book Better Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor: Good Practice from sub-Saharan Africa (Good Practice Document, GPD) and the Toolkit on Water and Sanitation Services for the Urban Poor (in the format of an interactive website and a CD-ROM). Both are considered of high quality and relevance. Their distinctive value derive from the fact that they are based on the actual practice of African WSS utilities. WUP and its partners are now engaged in a campaign to disseminate the GPD and the Toolkit. One of the key element of this effort is to leverage them through training. Following the contacts established with several ITN Centers' at their latest annual Conference (Nov. 2003), the ITNs, WUP and WSP-AF agreed to organize a workshop to introduce the GPD and the Toolkit to ITN Training Centers. The Nairobi Workshop brought together WSS utilities, Training Centers specialized in water and sanitation services as well as an NGO. The Workshop reviewed the GPD and the Toolkit and recommended that they be used as source material for the development of training programs specifically targeted at building up the capacity of WSS utilities and their country partners to improve WSS services to low-income urban communities. The Workshop produced an action plan which is being pursued by the ITNs with WUP and WSP-AF in a facilitating role. The present proceedings provide the participants with a record of the Workshop. The proceedings will also be made available to a broader audience of trainers and WSS service providers to allow them to share its conclusions and to encourage them to use the Toolkit and the GPD to support their effort to realize our common vision of an Africa where everyone has access to safe water and hygienic sanitation.