Politicizing discussions on water governance: Recommendations for creating equitable water futures in cities in the Global South
While important on its own, ensuring the success of SDG 6.1 (clean water and sanitation for all) is crucial in an urban world experiencing multiple environmental stresses. This is especially important for cities in the Global South where more people are increasingly living in cities, and governments lack capacities, magnifying the scale and complexity of challenges. The stakes of not achieving SDG 6.1 in cities are high. Lack of affordable access to clean water has consequences not only for health and well-being, but also for political outcomes such as deepening inequities in cities. Considering that the world will continue to experience environmental stresses including risks such as spread of disease, it will be low-income populations that will suffer the most.
Despite making some gains, the world is falling behind on reaching SDG 6.1. One out of four people lack access to clean and accessible drinking water (WHO, UNICEF, World Bank 2022). To maintain progress and make further headway, more funding and effort is required. Yet, official development assistance (ODA) has declined in the water and sanitation (WASH) sectors in the aftermath of Covid-19 (Nomura et al. 2023). Moreover, even stated gains are considered as under-reporting of shortages, especially for those living in informal settlements in cities (Beard and Mitlin 2021), or those experiencing homelessness (Meehan et al. 2022). These challenges underscore the importance of
getting it right in ensuring clean and affordable water for all, especially low-income populations in cities in the Global South.
In addition to increasing funding for WASH, a deeper understanding of experienced water shortages, which may be invisible in global metrics, is crucial. Such knowledge could contribute towards the success of SDG 6.1. Based on published and ongoing research on water issues in Karachi, Pakistan, and Metro Manila, Philippines, the author suggests three recommendations.
Recommendation 1: Focus on links between water and informal settlements should be included in global monitoring frameworks.
Recommendation 2: Local governments and international development agencies should fund research co-created with local communities on water governance.
Recommendation 3: Local governments should play a strong role to ensure affordable and clean water for the urban poor.
