Title: An Unquenchable Thirst: Africa’s Urban Areas and their Water Supply

Author: Jean-Jacques Têtu

Abstract: Africa’s urban areas are undergoing rapid population growth due to desertification, civil war, and the search for opportunity on the part of rural peoples. Using Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi/Kibera, Kenya, as examples, the author found that African cities’ water systems are unable to meet these needs due to lack of adequate infrastructre, corrupt state water companies, and inefficient organization. Currently, the search for solutions to these problems is divided into two camps: pro-privately owned water strategies, and pro-publicly owned water strategies.

Key References:

World Bank (2003). Project Information Document Report # 1011: Lagos Urban Water Supply Project.

Niemczynowicz, J. Urban hydrology and water management: present and future challenges. Urban Water, 1. Pages 1-14.

Solo, T.M. (1999). Small-scale entrepreneurs in the urban water and sanitation market. Environment & Urbanization, 11. Pages 117-132.

Return to Water Resources Papers page.

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Date: May 2006
Student: jtetu@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w