60 percent of the rural population lacks access to quality water
Gabon has significant surface and underground water resources
The World Bank and other development partners are working with the government on a national plan to reach 3,340 villages
LIBREVILLE, November 19, 2008—Access to drinking water in rural areas remains problematic in Gabon. These areas currently have the lowest levels of access to drinking water compared to urban areas. Data show that 60 percent of the rural population does not have access to high quality water, compared to a coverage rate of 94 percent in city areas.
In accordance with the recommendations set forth in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the water sector, the Government's target is to cut in half the number of persons without access to drinking water by 2015, thereby improving the living conditions of slightly over 400,000 people residing in rural areas.
Achieving the MDGs for the Sector
To achieve this objective, the Government started discussions November 12 with development partners, among them the World Bank and the European Union, government departments, and private sector representatives, with the aim of formulating a national water policy for rural areas.
An assessment of current conditions indicated that significant efforts have already been made since the 1990s. Nearly 1,400 water access points have been installed since that time. However, this number meets a mere 40 percent of the need.
The new policy target is to meet 60 percent of demand for drinking water in more than 3,340 villages throughout the country. The current number of water pumps would be tripled if the goals set are to be achieved. Another concern is guaranteeing sustainable service.
Studies conducted have shown that 50 percent of the hydraulic equipment installed in rural areas stops functioning properly within two to three years of its installation. An appropriate system for management, maintenance, and technical follow up therefore needs to be devised.
Guaranteeing Equipment Maintenance
The Government's goal is supported by four essential pillars:
Making it possible for all citizens in rural areas to have access to safe drinking water, with the view to narrowing the gap that currently exists between cities and rural areas;
Organizing public service in such a way as to achieve optimal implementation of this strategy;
Carrying out activities with a view to the sustainable management of the resource; and;
Implementing a system of participatory management, namely, one that involves the people.
To this end, Gabon has significant potential in terms of surface and underground water resources.
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