Access to clean drinking water is still a major concern in many parts of Africa. Image credit: Flickr.com
23 May 2021 – The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a new policy on water, prioritising water security and the transformation of water assets to foster sustainable, green, and inclusive economic growth in regional member countries.
“This new policy on water provides a general framework for the AfDB to expand its role as the continent’s partner promoting the integrated development and management of Africa’s water sector for inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa,” says Atsuko Toda, the AfDB’s Acting Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.
The policy aims to promote Africa-wide attainment of a minimum platform of water security, with a special focus on areas of fragility, as well as assist African countries and sub-regional groups harness and sustain water resources productivity potential to support development.
The new water policy is anchored around four principles:
In its assessment of the policy, the AfDB’s Board commended the bank’s water, policy, and strategy departments for leading the policy-preparation process.
“That the AfDB’s Board noted the new policy is a best practice for excellence in quality, selectivity and degree of consultation. The Board’s acknowledgement will add to our motivation to see the policy diligently implemented,” says Osward Chanda, Officer in Charge for the AfDB’s Water Development and Sanitation Department. “We are grateful for the inputs and perspectives provided by bank departments that are part of the water ecosystem, which helped shape this water policy,” he added.
The AfDB will establish an internal coordination mechanism for water-related interventions to be overseen by a committee with adequate capacity, resources, and appropriate skills.
Since 2010, the AfDB has invested an estimated USD6.2-billion in water supply and sanitation services delivery.
Covid-19 has exposed vulnerabilities caused by under-investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene services, also known as WASH. Despite these challenges, the active water sector portfolio stood at USD4.3-billion, comprised of nearly one hundred national projects implemented in 40 countries, and 6 multinational projects.
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