Climate change, increasing water scarcity and population growth are huge challenges for (drinking) water supply systems. Worldwide 884 million people still lack access to potable water while 2,4 billion people do not have access to sanitation facilities. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, access to water and sanitation for all, partnerships are crucial. WaterWorX (WWX) is a partnership of public water operators to increase access to sustainable water services for 10 million people between 2017-2030. WaterWorX is co-funded and jointly implemented by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 10 Dutch water operators and local water operators in Africa, Asia and South America. WaterWorX was officially launched during the Dutch celebration of World Water Day 2017 in The Hague.
By working together in Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), water utilities can improve operational, maintenance, financial and administrative processes. In doing so, the continued strength of WaterWorX stands out in building and strengthening the capacity of local counterparts to make lasting improvements that increase access to sustainable water services and generate viable pro-poor investment propositions.
WaterWorX aims to increase sustainable access to drinking water to 10 million people, by:
1. Strengthening the financial, technical and social sustainability of the local partner water companies in order to make sustainable drinking water available to millions of people in developing and transition countries.
2. Strengthening the enabling environment of laws & regulations, financing and policies in which water
companies are encouraged to function properly and enhance their performance.
3. Increasing access to water infrastructure investment finance, by developing investment proposals and engaging with domestic and international fi nancing organisations and banks.
