Challenges/Issues

Recommended Actions

1. Policy and legal Framework - either lacking or not fully implemented

- Countries should prepare comprehensive policy and legal framework, if lacking, and ensure the provisions are implemented.

- Countries should harmonize their National Water Policy laws and the Transboundary Water Framework (when adopted).

2. In some cases the Traditional Water Management conflict with the Government Water Policy

In preparation of National Water Policy considerations should be taken on the positive elements of the Traditional/Local Water Management

3. Prioritization and Allocation of Water, sometime does not follow agreed principles

The Allocation of water for Domestic use should take first precedence. Other allocations should consider water as "Economic and social Good" (Economic Return/m³ of water)

4. Need for clear Institutional Framework

- Water management should be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level, with clear roles and responsibilities

- There is need for capacity building and empowerment (human & finances) to sector institutions at all levels.

- These should be effective coordination and interlinkages of the sector institutions

- Whenever, any re-structuring is undertaken retrenchment and layoff of staff should be handled with a human face.

5. Partial and temporary distribution of water

- There is need to use the early Warning System to plan the mitigation efforts.

- Undertake rainwater harvesting and storage by the communities and large dams (if appropriate)

- Undertake groundwater storage/re-charge

6. Technological options

- Innovative, appropriate, low cost water and sanitation technology should be used

- There is need for standardization of WSS Technologies and where necessary be manufacture locally

- Establish supply chains for component and spares

7. Inadequate responses to crisis and disasters

- Governments in liaison with UN Agencies and NGO's should prepare emergency response portfolios at National, Sub-regional and Regional levels.

8. Limited Private Sector Participation

- Public Private Partnership should be enhanced

- Governments should prepare Private Sector Support Programmes that should address capacity Building and ensure conducive environment (incentives)

9. Limited Data, Information and awareness

Governments should set up consistant Data Collection, Analysis, Dissemination and Networking

10. Inadequate Research Development

Countries should strengthen and carry out appropriate Research and Development to address low cost technologic options

11. Large WSS schemes not being funded

Donors should support Governments to undertake Medium and large scale water and sanitation schemes, eg. Dam construction, large irrigation schemes. Cost-sharing arrangement between Government and Private Sector

12. Limited Resources (finances and human)

There is need for additional funds to implement sector capacity building and Investment, including Technical Assistance (TA)

13. Not all stakeholders are fully involved in WSS activities

There is need for strong partnership by all stakeholders at all levels (Regional, National, Local Government and Community)

14. Soft ware components of Water and Sanitation Programme not purified

There is need for a proper balance between Hardware and Software Components of Water and Sanitation Programme activities both at planning, budget allocation and implementation

15. Water quality activities not given due priority and attention

- Governments and communities should prioritize water quality activities and allocate necessary resources (human and funds)

- Governments should prepare national water quality guidelines

- Waste water treatment should be addressed

16. Gender issues not handled

- Mainstream gender in WSS activities, in particular countries should prepare the sector gender strategy that addresses women and girl child concerns and roles

17. High population growth

- Consider the population growth rates in the planning, design and provision of WSS services

18. Widespread poverty

- WSS should be addressed in the poverty eradication action plans; as it is key ingredients for poverty eradication