With a network including a hundred member utilities scattered over the African continent, the African Water Association (AfWA) is a major partner for the performance improvement of water and sanitation utilities. Thus AfWA, supported by the West African Bureau of the US Agency for International Development and co-financed with US$ 2 million, has been implementing the AfriCap program since December 2015. The third component of this program, one of the most important components, is devoted to the capacity building of West Africn water laboratories through the “mentorship” approach.

The laboratory of the Office National de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement (National Water and Sanitation Board) (ONEA) of Burkina Faso was identified as the “mentor” of the “mentees” from the French-speaking regions within the framework of the “Laboratory Operators Partnerships (LOPs).” This was due to its proven expertise as a mentor in several WOP (Water Operator Partnerships) peer training partnerships, as well as its recognized experience within the framework of the transfer of competences.

A mission led by Dr. Siméon Kenfack, AfWA’s Program Director, and Mr. Gilles Djagoun, the Coordinator of the AfriCap program, visited ONEA’s head office in Burkina Faso. At the conclusion of discussions with ONEA’s Director, Mr. Arba Jules OUEDRAOGO, and his collaborators, the AfWA delegation presented the AfriCap program, emphasizing related third component. The collaboration methods between AfWA and ONEA relating to the mentorship were also reviewed and updated according to the needs and aspirations for each part. This approach should make it possible to boost this component of the AfriCap program, further building the capacity of West African laboratories.

Throughout its programs based on the sharing of best practices and training, AfWA is taking part in capacity improvement and increasing competitiveness of member utilities. Its know-how permits AfWA to provide strong, constant support to its members with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,  specifically Objective 6: To guarantee the access of all to water and sanitation and to ensure a sustainable management of the water resources.

Every year, three million people die globally because of poor water quality and the lack of access to drinking water. The majority of these victims are children under 5 years old. Therefore, water is essential to any development that will last.