Why Water Projects Fail

Why Water Projects Fail

- Ensuring the Sustainability of Water Projects -

Program: STAKEHOLDERS’ SEMINAR

Organizer: AWDROP

By

Toheeb A. SobowaleLagos State Water Regulatory Commission

Date: Wednesday, June 5 2013Source: Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation, Source: Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation, UNICEF & WHO UNICEF & WHO 20122012

Outline

• Potable Water: The Right To Life• Access to improved water supply

sources: An Appraisal review• The big question: What are we doing

wrong?• Why water projects fail• Employing Regulatory Measures• Our little story• Thank You

Wednesday, June 5 2013 2

Potable Water: The Right To Life

• A basic human need • A basic human right for all (Annual Report: World Water Council,

2010)

• An essential for the full enjoyment of life (Annual Report: World Water Council, 2010)

• A pre-condition for economic and social development (MDG REPORT, UN 2012)

• It’s availability! A major project for any responsible Government

• An important MDG target for achievement by 2015


Access to Improved Water Supply Sources

Since the MDG 7 was set in 1990, are we there yet?

Source: Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation, Source: Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation, UNICEF & WHO UNICEF & WHO 20122012

Access to Improved Water Supply Sources

• In 2010, the World met target 7c of the MDG, 5 years ahead of the schedule (MDG REPORT, UN, 2012)

• Globally, 6.1 billion people now have access to improved drinking water supply sources as at 2010, up by over 2 billion since 1990 (MDG REPORT: UN, 2012)

• Yet some are still left behind, with 11% of the total World Population missing out

• But in Africa,


Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically!

Source: Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation, UNICEF & WHO 2012


Nigeria alongside other sub-Saharan countries in Africa are not on track to

meet the target except for Ghana, Kenya and a few others.

(Progress on Drinking Water & Sanitation: UNICEF & WHO, 2012)

Over 40% of all people without improved water supply sources live in this region.

(MDG REPORT: UN, 2012)

Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically!


The Big Question!!!

What exactly are we doing wrong?Can these misdoings be put under control?


According to Rousseau and Hooijmans, most but not all water projects fail due to factors like:

• No detailed problem analysis• Unclear or unrealistic set objectives• Non-inclusion of stakeholders in the planning, development and management of water projects• Wrong choice of technology types• No follow-up or monitoring after commissioning




All of these will lead to

• Absence of financial discipline• Non-accountability on performance of projects• Inefficient operations of Installation• Inadequate maintenance• Unreliable service delivery• Eventual breakdown• Financial losses

How Can Regulations help?• Provides framework for detailed problem analysis

and vets outcomes or solution proposed prior to licensing for adequacy

• Provides platforms for assessment of projects prior to licensing by reviewing the objectives and its viability

• Encourage consultation with stakeholders in the planning, development and management of projects

• Classification of best applicable technology types based on local conditions (social and environmental)

• Propel periodic monitoring and assessment of project performance at the different stages of the project life cycle


Our Little Story

about the Lagos State Water Regulatory

Commission

About Us & Our Mandate

• Established by Law in 2004• Started Operation in 2012• Mandate:– Ensure water supply and sanitation

(wastewater management) services are properly delivered in Lagos State

– Ensure operators in the sector secure reasonable ROI to finance the PROPER delivery of these services


Primary Objective & Function

Protect the long term interests of consumers with regards to price, quality and reliability

of service in the water supply and sanitation sector of Lagos State

Objective

Regulate production, distribution, supply and use of water, quality of services, tariff and charges payable (to ensure the financial

stability of the sector) and allowable returns to the operators

Function


Mission Statement

Promote viable and sustainable water supply and sanitation service provision

while ensuring the protection of the long-term interests of consumers with respect to

price, quality and reliability of service.”


Vision

To build a water supply and sanitation sector that ensures delivery of affordable, efficient, qualitative and sustainable water

supply and wastewater management services for present and future inhabitants

of Lagos State.


What Will Our Regulations Do

• Social Issues• Health• Environmental• Preservation & Conservation• Technical Issues• Safety• Data & Information Management• Legal & Institutional Framework


We are working to improve performance and service delivery while instilling

professionalism and building confidence in the WSS Sector.

IN CLOSING….


Documents

Why Water Projects Fail