supply-driven, water resources management. Moving to a deliberate and purposeful policy scenario of demand management is urgently required of governments in the region, although this may not be politically palatable in the short term. Reducing and managing the demand for water, enforcing greater efficiency of use and introducing water conservation are measures that require policy and legislative attention. Financial and institutional Knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it are two separate issues. Because of the overall economic status of the countries, the resources to implement programs designed to reduce water scarcity vary but are often scarce. This is also the cause of institutional weaknesses which result in overbearing bureaucracy and inefficiencies. Generally, throughout the region, the costs of services are not fully recovered, leading to operation and maintenance (O&M) problems. Institutional and financial weaknesses result in water not being available which could otherwise have relieved water scarcity. A further problem is that of foreign currency requirements. Much of the equipment and information required for effective modern water resources management, such as computers and remote imagery, has to be purchased with foreign currency, which may not be available. Sectorial professional capacity Closely related to the financial and institutional circumstances noted above is the critical problem facing water sector professionals in the region. The region is not without highly competent and motivated professionals, but their conditions of employment and the incentives are generally poor, with a rapid turnover in staff, particularly in the public service. The lack of sufficient expertise to manage water resources and develop and implement policy is a direct contributor to water scarcity. Political realities Politicians and decision-makers are the persons who have greatest influence on the allocation of scarce budgets and the adoption of policy. Unfortunately, the conceptual horizons of many politicians do not coincide with the parameters of prudent water resource management, resulting in decisions being made on the basis of short-term political expediency. To have the political will to develop policy and supportive legislation that will introduce the discipline necessary to manage water scarcity requires considerable political courage and foresight. Political tension and conflict within countries and between countries often have a greater influence on policy de facto than the practice of sound water policy.
supply-driven, water resources management. Moving to a deliberate and purposeful policy scenario of demand management is urgently required of governments in the region, although this may not be politically palatable in the short term. Reducing and managing the demand for water, enforcing greater efficiency of use and introducing water conservation are measures that require policy and legislative attention. Financial and institutional Knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it are two separate issues. Because of the overall economic status of the countries, the resources to implement programs designed to reduce water scarcity vary but are often scarce. This is also the cause of institutional weaknesses which result in overbearing bureaucracy and inefficiencies. Generally, throughout the region, the costs of services are not fully recovered, leading to operation and maintenance (O&M) problems. Institutional and financial weaknesses result in water not being available which could otherwise have relieved water scarcity. A further problem is that of foreign currency requirements. Much of the equipment and information required for effective modern water resources management, such as computers and remote imagery, has to be purchased with foreign currency, which may not be available. Sectorial professional capacity Closely related to the financial and institutional circumstances noted above is the critical problem facing water sector professionals in the region. The region is not without highly competent and motivated professionals, but their conditions of employment and the incentives are generally poor, with a rapid turnover in staff, particularly in the public service. The lack of sufficient expertise to manage water resources and develop and implement policy is a direct contributor to water scarcity. Political realities Politicians and decision-makers are the persons who have greatest influence on the allocation of scarce budgets and the adoption of policy. Unfortunately, the conceptual horizons of many politicians do not coincide with the parameters of prudent water resource management, resulting in decisions being made on the basis of short-term political expediency. To have the political will to develop policy and supportive legislation that will introduce the discipline necessary to manage water scarcity requires considerable political courage and foresight. Political tension and conflict within countries and between countries often have a greater influence on de facto policy than the practice of sound water policy.
WANJIKU%20WANGUI%20AGNES.docx