ILO Holds Workshop to Validate Water Value Chain Assessment
By: Christian Conteh
The 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) revealed water scarcity to be primarily caused by the unavailability of water from its source, inaccessibility to water sources, and the high cost of water. These factors have led to a significant water crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where over two-thirds of the population is compelled to leave their homes in search of water, exposing them to various health risks.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has partnered with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the Gender Promotion Initiative with funds from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), to implement a joint project titled “Women for Water and Peace.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 organized a workshop to validate the Water Value Chain Assessment Report.
James Solomon Koroma, the Consultant for the Women for Water and Peace Project, expressed the urgency of the situation and emphasized the project’s objectives.
“Our primary goal is to ensure water availability and accessibility in the identified communities. Additionally, we aim to assess the community’s willingness and capability to pay for water and address conflicts arising from water scarcity,” Koroma said.
The project takes an inclusive, conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, and participatory approach to build the capacity of project entrepreneurs and create decent jobs and livelihoods that contribute to resilient communities. The ILO will conduct an analysis of economic, social, and environmental opportunities within the water service value chains market.
“This analysis will include assessing profitability, Return on Investment (ROI), market opportunities for inclusive growth, social cohesion, peace, and women’s empowerment,” Koroma explained. Based on the findings, the project will propose market-driven interventions and seek collaborations with potential partner organizations.
The Women for Water and Peace (W4WP) project which was launched in June 2022 officially commenced in January 2022. The project has identified five communities in Freetown, namely Mayinkineh-Ward 401, Rokupa-Ward 408, Dwarzak-Ward 435, Lumley-Ward 442, and Crab Town-Ward 443, to be targeted for intervention.
The project will support the construction of twenty-five (25) water kiosks equipped with solar-powered purification systems. These kiosks will provide equitable access to clean water for the vulnerable communities in Freetown for the first time. The project aims to empower women to operate the kiosks as businesses, promoting their agency for positive change and peace.
Sia M. Lajaku-Williams, the National Project Coordinator for the Women for Water and Peace Project in Sierra Leone, commended the consultant’s report, stating that, “his report has provided a solid foundation for input from other stakeholders.”
She emphasized the importance of inclusion and peace in the project and mentioned the implementation of security measures to safeguard the water facilities.
The project is expected to have significant social, economic, and environmental impacts on the communities where it will be implemented, according to the consultant.
“Providing clean and affordable water will bring satisfaction to the community members, ensuring their well-being,” he stated.
In terms of economic impact, the project will create employment opportunities for women, empowering them to generate income.
Furthermore, by reducing the cost burden on households, families will be able to allocate their resources more efficiently, enabling them to pay taxes to the government and save money for other essential needs.
The project also aims to address environmental concerns through sensitization campaigns on the effects of climate change and environmental pollution, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
The workshop ended with a unanimous validation of the draft report.
As the Women for Water and Peace Project progresses, its focus on water availability, accessibility, and conflict resolution has the potential to enhance social cohesion, empower women, and contribute to building peaceful and resilient communities. By addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, this initiative is a crucial step towards sustainable development and improving the lives of individuals who have long suffered from water insecurity.
