fr.allafrica.com
Funding Gap and Capacity Issues Hamper Sanitation Improvement in Africa
A panel in Kampala, Uganda on February 18, 2025, highlighted the need for improved sanitation access in Africa, revealing funding gaps and capacity issues among sanitation workers. Dr. Halidou Kouanda of WaterAid West Africa urged better connection between funding sources and project developers, along with capacity building initiatives.
- What are the most significant barriers preventing increased access to sanitation in Africa, and what immediate actions can address these challenges?
- On February 18, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda, a panel discussed improving sanitation access. Dr. Halidou Kouanda of WaterAid West Africa highlighted existing solutions and business opportunities, emphasizing the need for an enabling environment for regulators, legislators, and operators. Funding mechanisms exist through the African Development Bank, but awareness and project proposal capacity are lacking.
- What long-term strategies are needed to build a sustainable sanitation sector in Africa, ensuring sufficient skilled professionals and effective community engagement?
- Future improvements hinge on bridging the knowledge and capacity gap. WaterAid's Kampala-based academy is a step, but needs expansion to train diverse professionals (engineers, legislators, communicators, environmentalists, sanitation workers). This multi-disciplinary approach is crucial for ensuring municipal decisions are understood and effectively implemented to serve the population.
- How can funding mechanisms be made more accessible to sanitation projects in Africa, and what support systems are needed to improve the capacity of local actors to access these funds?
- The panel, attended by municipal actors, university lecturers, and financial partners, revealed a funding gap in the sanitation sector. Dr. Kouanda stressed the need to connect project developers (government, municipalities, private sector) with available funding. He also noted a lack of capacity to develop business plans, particularly among sanitation workers in remote areas.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the issue primarily through the lens of Dr. Kouanda's concerns, emphasizing the need for improved access to funding and capacity building. While this is a significant aspect, the framing might overshadow other equally important challenges or potential solutions discussed during the panel. The headline (if any) could significantly influence the framing; without it, it's difficult to fully assess framing bias.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective in reporting Dr. Kouanda's statements. However, phrases like "C'est dommage" (it's a shame) and "un appel pressent" (an urgent call) inject some subjectivity, although they are presented as reflections of Dr. Kouanda's feelings rather than editorial opinions. More neutral phrasing could improve objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the statements and opinions of Dr. Halidou Kouanda, potentially omitting other perspectives from the panel discussion. While acknowledging the limitations of space, a broader representation of views from other panelists (municipal actors, university teachers, and financial partners) would have enriched the analysis and provided a more balanced perspective on the challenges and solutions in the sanitation sector.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on a panel discussion in Kampala, Uganda, addressing challenges and opportunities in improving sanitation access. The discussion highlights the need for increased funding, improved business plan development capabilities among sanitation workers, and better communication strategies to engage diverse stakeholders. These directly address issues related to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), specifically target 6.2, which aims to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.