WaterAid will be in Kampala, Uganda, this week for the 15th African International Water Congress.
At the event, WaterAid will be challenging perceptions and informing people about pro-poor utilities. Read updates from the event here.
Background
Since 2008, and for the first time in human history, more people are living in urban settlements than in rural areas.
Globally, one in three urban dwellers – one billion people – live in a slum, with chronic water and sanitation poverty. And, by 2020, at current rates of growth, half of the African urban population will be living in informal settlements without access to these basic human rights.
Key issue: Serving the urban poor
Chronic water and sanitation shortages are made worse by local utilities that serve people based on their wealth and location rather than on their needs. By serving wealthier areas rather than targeting needs, the world's poorest people are being denied basic services.
In several cities, the poor are paying up to 2 times more per litre at a utility water kiosk than higher income users with household connections.
Poor households cannot afford water connections as it costs on average 37% of the annual income of a person earning $1.25 a day to get connected.
Policy makers, sector regulators and utility managers don't see the poor as viable customers.
WaterAid is challenging these perceptions and working across the industry to promote the poor as viable customers, who not only have the right to access these basic services, but the will.
Spokespersons:
Idrissa Doucoure, Head of Pan-Africa Unit, WaterAid UK idrissadoucoure@wateraid.org
Timeyin Uwejamomere, Senior Policy Analyst (Urban), WaterAid UK timeyinuwejamomere@wateraid.org
PDF papers available:
Water utilities that work for poor people: A discussion paper produced by WaterAid to identify the key characteristics of pro-poor utilities.
Serving the urban poor: Produced by WaterAid, WSUP and WOP-Africa this is a self-assessment report by African Utilities of their performance in improving pro-poor services. (Also available in French)
Events:
Tuesday March 16: 10:30-13:00, Room 7 (Royal Hall)
Serving the urban poor Master Class: How Utility-CSO synergy is making a difference in urban WASH reforms. This seminar will be lead by Timeyin Uwejamomere, WaterAid Senior Policy Analyst (Urban).
An estimated 198 million people make up the untapped market for potable water in poorer urban areas of Africa. Many of these people are already paying far higher prices per litre than current networked water users. What prevents utilities from recognising this potential market?
Wednesday March 17: 13:00-14:00, Room 5 (Majestic Hall)
WaterAid and WSUP will jointly lead a side event entitled Accelerating water and sanitation connections: Using partnerships to strengthen water utilities pro-poor services.
There is increasing evidence that water utilities can viably extend services to the urban poor. While specific approaches are needed, they can lead to a win-win solution where the “low income” customer enjoys improved access and quality at a lower price, while the utility enjoys increased revenue and reduced losses. This session looks at some examples and is especially relevant for utilities and municipal providers together with their development and funding partners.
Wednesday March 17: 14:00-16:30, Room 3
A paper to be presented on Water-point and sanitation mapping in Southern Africa: Using Google Earth for water Governance?
Media contact:
To interview spokespersons, for background information and copies of reports, or to attend any events, please contact:
Sarah Muzaki, WaterAid Uganda: SarahMuzaki@wateraid.org
Phone: +256 0753588840
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