Data, technology’ll encourage investments in water –OPWASH

By Merit Ibe

As Nigeria joins  the global community to mark the World Water Day (WWD), the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene  (OPS-WASH) has again emphasised the place of  data and technology, which are key to encouraging sound investments in water and wastewater systems that will benefit surrounding communities.

OPS-WASH is a global coordinating body for private-sector engagements in SDG 6, whose core focus is to create and  source valuable opportunities for  members and partners to make impact and accelerate their businesses, in the case of WASH entrepreneurs.

The WWD raises the consciousness of the 2.2 billion people who do not have access to safe drinking water, of which 1.2 billion people lack essential water sources within a round trip of 30 minutes; 282 million people have limited water sources; 368 million people take unprotected water from wells and springs; and 122 million people use untreated surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Also, more than 884 million people do not have safe water to drink.

It  is about  taking action to tackle the global water crisis. To support the achievement of SDG 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. Thus, WWD is observed worldwide to raise public awareness of the importance of water in all aspects of life, such as the environment, health, agriculture and trade and to take steps to address the world’s water crisis.

It is also celebrated to bring attention to one of the leading environmental issues, “Scarcity of water.” Water is life and we cannot even imagine our life without water.

In response to the WWD, the National Coordinator, OPS-WASH, Dr Nicholas Igwe,  declared  the  commitment of the OPSWASH to drive private sector movement to accelerate progress to scale up water and sanitation facilities in the country.

Igwe, who represents the global Private Sector in WASH under the Sanitation and Water for all  –SWA platform, the global UN hosted organization, driving the OPSWASH in Nigeria, is of the view that the private sector remains the engine of the economy and can play critical roles in job creation,  resource mobilization,  increasing the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of WASH as well as strengthening the entrepreneurial capacity within the WASH value chains.

He said to achieve this,  there should be a sustainable political will from the government.

According to him, there was need for the government to adopt a multi stakeholders collaboration approach in addressing the challenges of water.

Igwe, who was at the UN meeting on WASH, noted that  OPS-WASH was recognised as the catalyst for Nigeria’s progress in SDG 6 as part of the country’s mid-term review which was shared at the UN Conference.

As part of its responsibilities, he said

the organisation is also focused on making sure corporate investments are meaningful and well-sustained.

“This includes water stewardship investments. We believe that data & technology are key to encouraging sound investments in water and wastewater systems which would ultimately benefit surrounding communities.

“We have achieved the development of financial frameworks and investment strategies for the WASH Sector in Nigeria (ie. Tax Credits and Blue Bonds Framework).

He noted that OPS-WASH has successfully partnered with the Senior Special Assistants to the Presidency on Community Engagement as well as the Association of Professional Women Engineers  to deep dive into the issues around WASH as the centre of community development.

He lamented that communities have been negatively impacted by the lack of safe water & sanitation facilities and lack of waste management services.

“ In particular, the voices of the communities have not been well-captured in the National Frameworks.”

But he is optimistic that the Presidency has committed to putting access to basic water & sanitation services as the key to the renewed hope agenda.

“It is also important to note that we are also supporting community led interventions and designs to ensure that the needs are well-addressed.”

He pointed out that at the moment, the quality and number of WASH facilities in Nigeria are very poor, due to the scale of the challenges, “it will take some time to fully resolve.

He reeled out the challenges that have confronted the organization to include  the misunderstood roles of the private sector which makes collaboration difficult or less-effective.

“Moreover, the private sector has the tools to create sustainable and technologically sound investments, both from private and public but can only do so where there is strong political will. “

Citing activities in Nigeria, Igwe said using the pillars of financial institutions, technology and innovations, philanthropy and others, the OPS-WASH had brought together key organisations, noting that Coca-Cola (NBC) and the FGN are actively investing in WASH.

He emphasised that water should be recognized as a commercial commodity “and investors are willing to support the state but we need good policies and  legal framework.

“The constituency has the means to effectively coordinate relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and globally toward creating innovative strategies for the sector.

He said OPS-WASH, which was borne out of Zenith Water Projects, was already making significant contributions to the WASH sector in Nigeria.

He stressed that private sector investment would help achieve SDG Six, through efficiency and sustainability, adding that they had the capacity to boost innovation in the sector.

Igwe also  pointed out the need for political leadership at the highest level to galvanise the commitment required at all levels.