12 The Future of Water in African Cities
undertake additional research on specific institutional and financial requirements and implications at the local level; and build a better understanding of what IUWM means in practice and at the local level through support of an IUWM learning alliance. The World Bank should engage proactively with IUWM principles. Considering IUWM options should become a standard part of planning water projects, and they should be put into action where clients and staff agree on their utility. The Bank should provide technical assistance from its staff and consultants to IUWM projects, and can act as a facilitator to promote integrated water management in international forums. 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. It is time to move holistic thinking into the trenches of applied water management systems. Demonstration projects are essential to raise awareness and better understanding of how IUWM could work in practice in Africa. In each of the three cities for which IUWM case studies were commissioned— Nairobi (Kenya), Mbale and Arua (Uganda)—authorities expressed a keen interest in implementing specific demonstration projects. In both countries World Bank urban and water projects are near implementation stage, and they could serve as a vehicle to move forward with demonstration projects. This book argues that integration of decision making across sectors is critical for cities to cope with the challenges of rapid urban growth and a threatened water supply. Unfortunately, we don’t know enough about the local-level institutional and financing implications of more integration. Additional research is required at the local and national levels to better understand how institutions can cope with the added responsibility of joint decision making. The World Bank can foster this research through interregional dialogue and support of knowledge building on the ground in Africa. This book recommends collaboration with the International Water Association (IWA) and other networks in Africa to build an IUWM Network–Learning Alliance. Such a Network–Learning Alliance for Africa would support capacity development of personnel and institutions and would serve three main purposes: (1) the network would advocate the use of IUWM where appropriate; (2) it would serve as a liaison to share knowledge and technology; and (3) it would provide implementation support for providers of water management services. Basing a