Rapid urbanisation and management

Rapid urbanisation puts strain on water management systems; one paper proposes that management should "go small" in periods of rapid expansions as an answer to the larger issues that growth can cause (Drangert et al, 2002). The development of appropriate water systems is caused by a combination of a number of physical, economic, social and demographic factors.

A brief overview of development management options are as follows. Economic control is decentralised from government authorities to local and regional authorities. Management solutions fall under two categories.

·         Own-Key: management and control by local communities/individuals.

·         Turn-Key: Development of management affairs utilised by residents without their involvement.

Turn-key solutions require finance from residents, however, rapid population growth see the breakdown of "social cohesion" and societal norms. Existing infrastructure functions poorly and objectives such as tax collection aren’t met. The solution is to focus on locals areas during periods of rapid growth, without r input from the formal sector. Own-key responses are appropriate and necessary. when rapid population growth has slowed, authorities should then invest to improve water systems and sanitation. The combination of own-key and turn-key solutions are important.

Examples of own-key solutions (Kisumu, Kenya).

·          Exploitation of groundwater aquifers through the digging of wells.

·          Selling the resource at low cost.

·         Dug latrines.

This paper highlights another point. After Kenya gained its independence in 1963, the population of Kisumu increased 5 fold in 20 years, as colonial restrictions were lifted. 81% of current pipe networks were placed there before 1970. What therefore is the legacy of colonialism particularly on water and health within African urban areas?