### Fadel Ndaw  
Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank



 

 

 



The current global pandemic has again highlighted the importance of access to reliable water sources as part of on-going efforts to combat the virus and prepare for future pandemics. On the African continent, 70% to 80% of illnesses can be linked to poor water quality and inadequate sanitation systems. Water companies have grappled with multiple constraints in the face of the emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been forced to adapt in order to continue operating and supplying people with drinking water.

This article seeks to analyze the main problems encountered by water companies in Africa during the crisis, and suggests paths for further refl ection that will help them become more resilient so that they are ready to face new pandemics in the future.



 

 

 



 

 

  [  ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2551/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/image/2021/01/Essential%20Services%20in%20Africa%20-%20p14.jpg.webp?h=fa286264&itok=WzAMVt26)  ](https://www.institut.veolia.org/sites/g/files/dvc2551/files/document/2021/01/The%20Veolia%20Institute%20Review%20-%20Essential%20Services%20in%20Africa%20-%20p14%20Fadel%20Ndaw.pdf)  



[Read more](https://www.institut.veolia.org/sites/g/files/dvc2551/files/document/2021/01/The%20Veolia%20Institute%20Review%20-%20Essential%20Services%20in%20Africa%20-%20p14%20Fadel%20Ndaw.pdf)



 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 





### Resources

 

[Contents page of the issue](/en/publications/veolia-institute-review-facts-reports/water-waste-energy-prospects-essential-services)

 



 

 

 

 

[Download the full pdf of the issue](https://www.institut.veolia.org/sites/g/files/dvc2551/files/document/2021/03/FACTS_ACCES_AUX_SE-V2-EN.pdf)