Did you know achieving universal basic sanitation by 2030 requires $114B in annual capital investments?
The private sector plays a vital role in bridging this financing gap! By leveraging innovative solutions, technical expertise, and efficient project implementation, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can deliver scalable and replicable sanitation solutions.
The private sector plays a critical role in developing and implementing effective sanitation and hygiene infrastructures. With the increasing demand for improved sanitation services, innovative solutions and sustainable investments from private entities are essential. According to the World Bank, achieving universal access to basic sanitation by 2030 will require an estimated $114 billion per year in capital investment. This figure highlights the significant role that private investments can play in bridging the financing gap.
Private companies and organizations bring not only financial resources but also technical expertise, innovation, and efficiency in project implementation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have proven to be effective in many states and regions, providing sustainable sanitation solutions that are scalable and replicable. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors to improve infrastructure, service delivery, and community engagement.
This week on #EnuguWASHRadioSeries, the discourse focused how private sector involvement can be optimized to support sanitation and hygiene service delivery and outcomes.
The Resource Persons on this episode include; Henrietta Nzekwe, the Principal Planning Officer, Enugu State Economic Planning Commission, Barr. Crownwell Chibuzor, Human Rights and Civil Responsibilities Advocate, and Mr. Emeka Fabian Odugu, a Toilet Business Owner.
Fabian, who is a toilet business owner (TBO) that has successfully worked in partnership with both Enugu State Government and WaterAid Nigeria in installing toilets in houses across Enugu, stated that he was just a plumber until he was trained by WaterAid on Water Easy Toilet (WET) installation, which opened his eyes to the vast opportunity in the sector. He urged the state government to create a platform or scheme in partnership with development partners (such as WaterAid) where more youth can be mobilized and trained on sanitation business across various communities and local government areas in Enugu.
Barr. Crownwell, on the other hand, encouraged the private sector players to invest in the sanitation value chain in Enugu State but stressed that Government has to take the lead by creating enabling environment, incentives, and legal framework that supports ease-of-doing-business. According to him,
Sanitation is a money spinner but private sector players have not thought of it innovatively beyond croporate social responsibility.
Ms. Henrietta, who was the Government Representative on the episode stressed that the state government has created the enabling environment. In her words,
The legal and regulatory frameworks are already in place in Enugu State. Private investors should be confident to invest and be reassured that their investment is safe.
In concluding the episode, the Resource Persons cited case studies of cost-effective SATO Toilets installed in some rural communities across Enugu State. They further emphasized the need for more private sector players to key into the lucrative sanitation business in Enugu State, which has been made more viable through the enabling environment created by the Dr. Peter Mbah-led government.
Tune in every Friday by 9AM (GMT+1) to Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu, to join the discussion or catch up with clips of different episodes on our YouTube page – https://youtube.com/@newarinetworkofwaterrights-j4p?si=_pvRbBcjxe9_qAvj
