The 6th Global Forum of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) was held in Kampala, 29th November to 2nd December 2011. The Forum attracted over 500 participants from nearly 50 countries drawn from national and local governments, academia, NGOs, the private sector and development partners. The Forum concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerating progress in inclusive and sustainable rural water supplies wherever services are non-existent or under-performing.
Published on: 14/12/2011
The 6th RWSN Forum in Kampala concluded with a renewed vision for sustainable, and inclusive rural water services for all. Achieving this vision however is, as identified by forum participants, plagued by three crucial obstacles: 1) slow progress in reaching the underserved, 2) poor performance of services, and 3) uncoordinated efforts.
Speaking at the closing ceremony was chair of the RWSN—Richard Carter. By acknowledging that efforts over the years were not in vain and resulted in observable islands of success, Carter identified four areas which saw improvement over the years: source community management, post construction support, involvement of local private operators, as well as sector reform and monitoring. Carter noted, however, that in the quest to increase coverage, insufficient emphasis was placed on capital investment. WASH actors have not paid enough attention to operation, maintenance, and recurring financing needs. National and local coordination capacities are also two areas which need further strengthening.
In the face of a burgeoning population, it is important for actors to pay due attention to both capital and recurrent spending, said Carter. He emphasised that as coverage increases, expenditure should shift towards operation and maintenance. A situation where capital expenditure dominates recurrent expenditure spells doom and poses a risk of leaving some sections of the population underserved.
The 500+ delegates attending the RWSN Forum agreed on ten commitments which align with the network’s strategy and renewed vision. The commitments are as follows:
Focusing on water users and water resources
Focusing on ourselves as rural water professionals
We will advocate for