Making IUWM Work in African Cities 115
Linking IUWM to investment projects is critical for success. Africa faces acute urban water management challenges. Unless IUWM is linked to investment projects, it is not likely to be perceived as relevant in Africa. Investment institutions like the World Bank can actively promote IUWM solutions in project funding and implementation.
Better Understand Institutional Requirements and Implications of IUWM The principal challenge for Africa in the urban sphere is to address how its cities and towns respond to the massive challenges of rapid urbanization, urban expansion, increased demand for services, threats to water supply, constrained and failing urban planning systems, and institutional practices that work in isolation. This book argues that integration of decision making across sectors is critical for cities to cope with these pressures. The book also argues that sustainable management that prevents or reduces natural resource degradation, matches water quality to its purpose, recognizes that wastewater might be valuable, and increases resilience through adaptive systems, will be part of a long-term solution. Unfortunately, we know little about the local-level institutional implications of the proposals to emphasize integration and sustainability. To gain a better understanding would require additional work at the local level. The questions in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 provide guidance with respect to the issues that should be investigated. Table 5.1 Principles of Integrated Management: Evaluative Questions Principles
Evaluative questions
Integration of resource sectors
• Is there a lead agency that coordinates land–water management activities, programs, or policies? • Are there guidelines or guiding principles for the achievement of integration? • Is coordinated implementation of management policies, programs, and goals achieved? • Is implementation of management policies, programs, and goals monitored? • Do implementing staff have adequate skills to implement integration? • Do implementing staff have adequate commitment to integration? (continued on next page)