World Bank Launches Water Security Plan to Aid One Billion People

African reporting focuses on whether 'Water Forward' will reach low-income countries that lack creditworthiness and basic infrastructure. This view stresses that the World Bank must not rely only on private investors, because many African water utilities cannot yet offer commercial returns. Commentators expect African governments to push for grants, concessional loans and safeguards so poor communities gain access to safe water, not just large cities and industry.

• •African outlets warn that private investors may favour middle-income countries over fragile states such as South Sudan or the Central African Republic.
• •World Bank is urged to combine 'Water Forward' with grants and cheap loans from its International Development Association window for the poorest African countries.
• •Civil society groups in Africa are concerned that cost-recovery reforms could raise water tariffs for low-income households.
• •African governments are expected to seek guarantees from the World Bank to reduce currency and political risks for water projects.
• •Commentators highlight that climate shocks such as droughts in the Sahel make long-term water planning in Africa especially difficult for investors.