In-Depth Analysis of Water Management Challenges in Selected Cities 109
Participation of Stakeholders in IUWM: Experience from Case Studies Three of the four case studies described in this book included a series of workshops and consultations with key stakeholders in urban water management (see Table 4.5). The initiative aimed at providing a forum for water sector stakeholders to assess alternative urban water management solutions and discuss the opportunities for implementing them in practice within each of the cities of the study. During these sessions, it was confirmed that IUWM is perceived as a relevant issue by key stakeholders. Additionally, the workshops and consultation meetings also emphasized specific suggestions for concrete IUWM initiatives relevant for Nairobi and for mid-size towns such as Arua and Mbale. World Bank experience in Latin America and the Caribbean indicates that at least 18 months is needed for stakeholders to coalesce around a strategy for IUWM. The expectation (again based on experience in Latin America and the Caribbean) is that three months after initiating the process, decision makers should be able to agree on a broad IUWM strategy for a specific city to be investigated further. In Nairobi, the discussion revealed a strong interest from responsible authorities to enable the realization of alternative water resources for the city. This included positive interest in revising the building code to enable rainwater harvesting and to consider greywater and wastewater reuse, and interest in pursuing specific options such as rainwater harvesting and interest in implementation of a demonstration project in a new development. In Mbale, the consultations focused on how a diverse mix of alternative and decentralized options can support improved wastewater and stormwater management while ensuring that water supplies are sufficient to meet future demand. Future approaches mentioned included the need to look beyond the city administrative boundaries and address developments within the local catchment. The need for greater institutional coordination and a strategy for enforcing planning regulations and guidance were also highlighted as priority areas for improving urban water management. In Arua, a strong message was given with respect to the noninfrastructure opportunities that could play a large part in improving water management. Key among these is the application of watershed management to address the issue of increased water competition and unsustainable land use within the Enyau River catchment.