How mobile technology can be leveraged to improve access to water in Africa

In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 40% of the population faces the daunting challenge of lacking access to safe drinking water. This pressing issue is compounded by the fact that within the next decade, global water demand is expected to surge by 50%. The CEO of eWATERservices, Alison Wedgwood, sheds light on the potential of leveraging mobile technology to revolutionize water accessibility and affordability across the continent. One of the critical issues concerning water scarcity in Africa is not the lack of water sources but the difficulty in accessing them. Traditional methods such as drilling boreholes or utilizing solar-powered pumps pose significant challenges, exacerbated by the lack of maintenance once these systems are implemented. Shockingly, an estimated $15 billion has been invested in installing water systems in rural and urban areas in Africa, with much of this funding going to waste due to the short average lifespan of hand pumps and solar systems, currently standing at just two years. Wedgwood emphasizes that innovative solutions are essential to address the water crisis in sub-Saharan Africa effectively. eWATERservices offers a game-changing approach through the deployment of prepayment smart meters on standpipes. These meters enable seamless access to water for individuals, including those living on meager incomes. By employing a simple process where users load credit via mobile phones and dispense water through the smart meter, eWATERservices ensures transparency and accountability by tracking every liter of water distributed and the corresponding financial transactions. Moreover, the revenue generated is reinvested into maintaining the water systems, creating a self-sustaining model. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by rural communities, where water scarcity disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. Addressing concerns about technological literacy, Wedgwood highlights the user-friendly nature of their solution, designed to be accessible even to individuals with limited tech proficiency. In instances where individuals lack access to mobile phones or mobile money, eWATERservices collaborates with local shopkeepers by equipping them with specially designed apps to facilitate water credit transactions, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use. Reflecting on the need for concerted efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) on water and sanitation, Wedgwood advocates for a paradigm shift towards a more entrepreneurial and collaborative approach involving the private sector and governments. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of traditional aid, she champions a new model characterized by local engagement and sustainability. By empowering local technicians, particularly women, and fostering partnerships with governments, eWATERservices exemplifies a holistic strategy that goes beyond mere financial investments. While acknowledging the necessity of financial resources to address the water crisis, Wedgwood underscores the importance of reimagining how these funds are utilized. Redirecting the substantial financial allocations currently earmarked for water projects towards innovative and efficient solutions offered by private enterprises like eWATERservices could yield transformative outcomes. By circumventing outdated approaches reliant on governmental channels and NGOs, a shift towards a decentralized model led by nimble water utilities equipped with cutting-edge technologies could catalyze tangible progress. The potential impact of enhancing water accessibility in Africa extends far beyond mere humanitarian benefits; it has profound implications for the continent's economy and environmental sustainability. Unlocking widespread access to clean water could result in a significant boost to economic growth, creating employment opportunities and improving overall public health. Furthermore, by curbing the reliance on contaminated water sources that contribute to deforestation, plastic pollution, and health hazards, a holistic approach to water management stands to mitigate climate change repercussions and enhance resilience to environmental challenges. As Africa navigates the complex interplay of socio-economic development, health crises like COVID-19, and environmental imperatives, the transformation of water infrastructure through mobile technology emerges as a linchpin for progress. Wedgwood's insights underscore the potential for mobile-enabled solutions to not only alleviate water scarcity but also catalyze a paradigm shift towards sustainable development in Africa.