Urbanization Surge in Africa Drives Need for Better Water, Sanitation Services
Urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa is surging, with city populations doubling by 2050, predominantly in climate-vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, extending water and sanitation services to low-income communities in the Global South faces mounting challenges due to migration, climate change, and reduced aid spending.
Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations (WSUP) has been instrumental in supporting utilities to serve their low-income customers better. In Madagascar, WSUP helped the national utility JIRAMA save 5.9 billion litres of water, recover US$ 850,000, and extend services to over 750,000 new customers. Similarly, in Bangladesh, WSUP supported local businesses and utilities in setting up viable latrine-emptying businesses, protecting public health.
Utilities require assistance in reducing water losses, developing accessible customer service models and tariffs, and improving contracting and procurement. Stronger regulation, as seen in Kenya's Water Services Regulatory Board, leads to better service provision for the poor. However, extending services into densely packed slums is the only sustainable solution, benefiting both residents and the utility's financial sustainability. Organizations like international development agencies, UN-related programs, and specialized funds are providing financial support, with corporate foundations and philanthropic donors stepping in as governments step back. WSUP has helped over 43 million people through these efforts.
As urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa accelerates, so does the need for improved water and sanitation services. With reduced aid spending and increased climate vulnerability, utilities require support to effectively serve low-income residents. Organizations like WSUP play a crucial role in assisting utilities, with successful projects in Madagascar and Bangladesh demonstrating the potential for positive change.
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