EA to get Sh141m for water sector skills development

Global Water Center (GWC) has started the launch of a new project aimed at improving access to safely managed water across East Africa. The initial phase is supported by $1.1 million (Sh141.5 million) in grants from the Grundfos Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/amp/opinion/article/2001491800/partnerships-and-resource-sharing-needed-to-provide-safe-water-for-all">The project focuses

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/index.php/opinion/article/2001514487/lets-manage-water-sustainably-for-future-generations-to-enjoy-it">“Safe and reliable< water access is a cornerstone in securing livelihoods, health, and social progress in rural areas. It takes both knowledge and skill to maintain modern water systems, and we want to assist governments in building capacity in the water sector to bring essential services to their citizens,” said Grundfos Foundation chief executive Kim Nøhr Skibsted.

The recent Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (GLAAS) report noted a severe shortage of skilled professionals needed for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water and sanitation systems in Africa. Many countries in the region have less than 50 per cent of the necessary workforce, posing a significant risk to sustainable access to safe water and consequently, the health and well-being of communities. This project seeks to fill the human resources gap through sustainable, scalable capacity development.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/main-staging/business/amp/environment-climate/article/2001508308/experts-warn-of-growing-water-crisis-as-forests-are-cut-down-for-development">It will also include Completing all three phases of the project will require continued collaboration and additional support. “We are grateful for the launch funds and invite others to collaborate with us to catalyse these systemic changes,” said the CEO of GWC Thomas Johnston.