Progress report for
Water Rights for riparian states sharing international water systems
Achievement at a glance
Refer to Table 1 -Uploaded paperI. All the ten sample African countries--Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi and South Sudan--review were signatories to the Nationally Determined Contribution, a policy indicator of their individual commitments to reducing global warming by 1.5% C above the pre-industrial levels.
2. All sample countries have enacted/instituted relevant policies with guidelines for implementation.
3. All Sample countries have set aside national budgets for SDG 6 implementation.
4. Some of the countries have developed partnerships and attracted private sources and investments aimed at tackling the effects of climate change or investing in alternative energy sources.
Challenges faced in implementation
ChallengesTable 2 highlights Africa’s major challenges: inadequate data reporting and availability, particularly concerning hygiene data, possibly influenced by intensified government efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This underscores the need for governments to prioritize water provision as an existential threat and national emergency. Furthermore, the integration of water management remains severely lacking, as evidenced by Ethiopia’s 47% implementation rate despite having 97% quality water bodies, contrasting with South Africa’s 71% implementation with fewer water resources. The disparity is indicative of broader governance issues highlighted below.
1. Political Favoritism in Water Infrastructure Allocation
In many African nations, patron-client politics, deeply ingrained within party systems, often results in preferential treatment for politically supportive communities, rather than those most in need. Decision-making regarding the installation and distribution of water infrastructure, such as dams and pipes, is heavily influenced by politicians and appointed heads of water departments. Consequently, politically connected officials, commonly referred to as the “men at the top,” exert significant influence over which districts or counties receive access to water resources. Evidence further suggest that communities associated with the head of state, county governor, or water department leaders are most likely to benefit from water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities during their tenure.
2. Funding Constraints
Insufficient funding is a common challenge in nationwide distribution programs, notably in water infrastructure projects. Despite generous donor support, increasing populations escalate costs, complicating efforts to ensure universal water access, as highlighted in Table 2.
3. Geographical Challenges
Terrain complexity, particularly in rugged landscapes, poses obstacles to laying water pipes. In countries with hilly topography, such as Ethiopia, costs for constructing water lines are higher. Therefore, it’s crucial to account for geography in budgetary planning to ensure equitable access, as exemplified by Ethiopia’s limited progress despite substantial funding.
4. Equity
Addressing equity in water distribution is complex due to societal layers of political, economic, and social classes. Despite policy mandates for universal access, hidden biases often favor economically and politically aligned communities over marginalized ones. Expanding water services requires additional resources rather than new policies, leveraging existing ministries’ infrastructure.
4. Governance
Assessing African countries’ response to climate change adaptation requires evaluating governance effectiveness, regulatory quality, and corruption control. These factors influence the degree of implementation of essential services like clean water and sanitation, serving as proximate indicators for SDG 6 progress and outcomes.
Next Steps
Simon H. OkothBeneficiaries
1. Students and academics in institutions of learning
2. UN water officials, including Economic and Social Affairs, UNEP
3. Research Institutions and Libraries
4. Riparian states
5. NGOs
Actions
1. Solicit funds for organizing the conference either in the U.S. or in Cairo2. Conduct research - UN headquarters, UNEP - Nairobi