Context
Even though the DR Congo is home to 52 per cent of Africa’s freshwater reserves, public water supply is poor. The 2015 Water Law sets out the roles and responsibilities in the system and promotes decentralisation, liberalisation and inclusion. Aside from the remit afforded to the central government, this law also grants extensive powers to the provinces and local authorities in their capacity as developers.
There is a lack of consensus amongst the various public, private and civil society bodies involved regarding the roles and responsibilities assigned to them under the law because the legal framework and underlying standards have still to be adequately coordinated, embedded and disseminated among the actors. The newly established competent authority is not yet in a position to plan, coordinate and monitor public water supply on its own.
Objective
Taking account of the impact of climate change, the urban drinking water supply in Kinshasa and selected provinces in the DR Congo has been improved.
Approach
The project enhances the skills of experts and the capacities of key institutions in the drinking water sector – including the competent authorities as well as the water suppliers – through training, continuing education and workshops.
It also pays particular attention to making the supply efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient. To achieve this objective, it targets its measures at experts and organisations as well as society at large, e.g. by raising awareness of the issue through campaigns.