Some 50 African finance ministers attended the high-level virtual meeting held recently to discuss the crucial role of water, sanitation and hygiene to the African economy, people and environment, during and after COVID-19. However, most African water utility service providers cannot collect payment for customer water usage, leading to further financial stresses and over-stretched resources. "These are areas where you can deliver to local communities and it's, therefore, a good news story for finance ministers, prime ministers, presidents, and sector ministers as they seek their reelection," Rudd said. This investment has provided an estimated 52 million people access to improved water supply and sanitation services. The Africa Finance Ministers' Meeting is one of three regional gatherings organized by the Sanitation and Water for All partnership.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 17, 2020 12:00 UTC