Working with business
Improving access to water in developing countries
- Research conducted by WEDC experts resulted in safe water supplies for over a million people.
Research conducted by WEDC experts has resulted in safe water supplies for over a million people.
Less than 20% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa use piped water. In urban areas, non-piped sources – including boreholes, springs and hand-dug wells – are highly susceptible to contamination.
Research conducted by experts from the University’s Water Engineering and Development Centre has helped more than one million people to access safe urban water services – enhancing their health and quality of life.
Three major projects confirmed that many people would pay for piped-water services, but that the cost – particularly the initial installation charge – is too high. The work also established a methodology for implementing Water Safety Plans.
The findings formed the basis of the Ugandan National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) change-management programmes – resulting in improved services for existing customers and encouraging thousands of new households to access safe piped water services.
Impact
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Affordable safe water
An improved understanding of customers and differentiated service levels and pricing has ensured that people can afford safe piped water
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Improved services
Existing NWSC customers have received improved services and 526,000 customers have been able to access safe piped water
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Cascading knowledge
NWSC has provided advisory and consultancy services in change-management programmes for urban water utilities in 12 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean
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One million people
In total the research has helped more than one million people to access safe piped water services and resulted in a safe, stable and profitable water supply sector.
