Evaluation of failings in urban water supply and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review to inform future planning

Date published

2025-02-01

Free to read from

2025-03-04

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IWA Publishing

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Article

ISSN

2043-9083

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Citation

Agbo C, Jeffrey P, Sule MN. (2025) Evaluation of failings in urban water supply and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review to inform future planning. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, Volume 15, Issue 2, February 2025, pp. 148-165

Abstract

The high failure rate of water supply and sanitation (WSS) systems is a major concern, especially for developing countries. Using the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence guidelines, this study carried out a systematic review of literature on failings in WSS in the urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa to identify the factors hindering sustainability as lasting coverage. There were 101 full-text articles examined and 21 articles included in the final review. The findings are discussed through the lens of the financial, institutional, environmental, technological and social (FIETS) framework and depicted in a causal loop diagram to visualize the system structure. In total, 37 factors that contribute to the failings of urban WSS systems across 14 Sub-Saharan African countries were identified. The root causes of failed or failing systems included a lack of stakeholder engagement in the planning and implementation; limited human resources capacity; limitations imposed by settlement type (informal settlements); insufficient funds, corruption and mismanagement of funds; and insufficient operation and maintenance of facilities. The study concludes that sustainability in the sector will involve the use of legal instruments, adequate planning techniques, anti-corruption and cost recovery mechanisms to ensure long-term financing.

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Github

Keywords

33 Built Environment and Design, 4104 Environmental Management, 40 Engineering, 41 Environmental Sciences, 4011 Environmental Engineering, 3304 Urban and Regional Planning, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, 3304 Urban and regional planning, 4011 Environmental engineering, 4104 Environmental management

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Attribution 4.0 International

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