Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS) have today renewed their partnership aimed at enhancing the sustainability of water and sanitation utility operations in an effective regulatory environment, fort he next three years.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate around programmes and strategy. This renewed partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organisations to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Building on their successful collaboration since 2018, WSUP and ESAWAS will expand their focus on:
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks: Working together to develop and implement effective regulatory frameworks incentivising sustainable water and sanitation service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Building regulatory capacity: Providing targeted training and support to regulators, utilities, and other stakeholders to improve their skills and knowledge in key areas such as tariff setting, service monitoring, and financial management.
- Fostering innovation and knowledge sharing: Collaborating on research, joint publications, and knowledge-sharing platforms to disseminate best practices and lessons learned across the region.
- Advocating for pro-poor WASH policies: Jointly advocating for policies and investments that prioritise the needs of low-income communities and ensure equitable access to water and sanitation services.
WSUP’s Regional Policy and Regulatory Lead Eng. Reuben Sipuma said that the signed MoU reflects the commitment of both organisations to collaborate towards accelerating the provision of universal access to sustainable water and sanitation services in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“At WSUP, we believe that advocating for improved policies and regulations directly impacts providing better services for the poor and the environment. Our renewedto developing sustainable and robust water and sanitation utilities within effective regulatory frameworks. By working together, we can accelerate progress towards achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation services in Africa,” said Eng. Sipuma.
ESAWAS Executive Secretary Ms. Yvonne Magawa noted that the two organisations would seek to foster stronger relationships with regulators and utilities in the countries where WSUP and ESAWAS operate and advocate for adapting the Citywide Inclusive Urban Sanitation approach.
“As an association of regulators, ESAWAS places strong emphasis on inclusive and universal access to WSS services for all. This enshrines the promotion of equity in service provision particularly for poor, maginalised and vulnerable communities. Working with WSUP has been instrumental in enhancing pro-poor approaches through regulation. Our continued collaboration will strengthen the implementation of evidence-based initiatives with practical relevance to service providers and consumers that can transform WSS service provision for all through enhanced and more effective regulation,” said Ms. Magawa.
This renewed partnership aligns with WSUP’s vision of transforming cities to benefit everyone, especially the millions lacking access to water and sanitation. It also supports ESAWAS’s mission to facilitate information sharing, capacity building, and regional regulatory cooperation to improve the effectiveness of water and sanitation regulation in Eastern and Southern Africa.
About WSUP
Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) is a not-for-profit company that helps millions of people in urban populations who lack access to water and sanitation. WSUP works in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, supported by an office in the UK. Since its inception, WSUP has helped over 40 million people access improved water, sanitation and hygiene. www.wsup.com
About ESAWAS
The Eastern and Southern African Water and Sanitation (ESAWAS) Regulators Association is a network of water supply and sanitation (WSS) regulators established under the Laws of Zambia to enhance the regulatory capacity of members to deliver quality and effective regulation to achieve public policy objectives through cooperation and mutual assistance.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Joan Asiimwe
Business Development Manager
Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS)
jasiimwe@esawas.org
Michelle Anekeya
Global Communications Manager
Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP)
manekeya@wsup.com
