Here’s a selection of links that piqued our interest in May and June.
We’re thinking about accountability these last weeks, first because of the publication of the latest JMP report on WASH, which provides revealing data on WASH access and progress in terms of the SDGs – essential input to hold duty-bearers to account. Also because of the publication of the Sanitation and Water for All Mutual Accountability commitments by countries and partners, as agreed on at the latest high-level meeting in April. This is a good time to look back, for example, at the SDG Accountability Handbook developed for CSOs by the TAP Network.
The links here go to original material on external websites.
WIN is not responsible for the accuracy of external content.
Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2017: Special focus on inequalities
The 2019 JMP report is focused on inequality, especially in terms of residence (rural/urban divide) and wealth. This is a major concern in terms of integrity because higher inequality means that resources may not be allocated to where they are intended and especially most needed.
The report highlights that 86 of 132 countries are not on track to achieve ‘nearly universal’ basic water services by 2030 and the poorest wealth quintiles in these countries are the furthest behind. Even more people are left behind in terms of sanitation: 112 out of 152 countries are not on track to achieve ‘nearly universal’ basic sanitation services by 2030. Progress there, is significantly lower in rural areas and among the poorest wealth quintile.
See full report: https://washdata.org/
Note all data on WASHwatch has been udpated according to the latest JMP figures.
Commitments tabled under the Mutual Accountability Mechanism, May 2019
It is very interesting to see the country and partner commitments under the Sanitation and Water for All Mutual Accountability Mechanism spelled out on paper, even if they may sometimes be a bit vague. These are useful references for national accountability processes as well. We are eager to see what happens during implementation and review!
See more: http://sanitationandwaterforall.org/priority-areas/mutual-accountability-mechanism/
SDG Accountability Handbook
The SDG Accountability Handbook is a resources to support national-level civil society hold their government accountable for commitments made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda), including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
See more: https://sdgaccountability.org/
More water integrity news and cases to watch
Please don’t hesitate to share more interesting links and resources!
Water shortages and integrity concerns in Chennai, India
As the city of Chennai faces severe water shortages, there are big corruption claims being put out and serious concerns about the integrity of water management over the years. Tenders have also been suspended following corruption allegations. Here are two examples of interesting articles on the crisis, amid many.
Flint water crisis case continues as charges dropped
In Flint, Michigan, United States, the investigation into the contamination of the water supply in 2014 will be continued as more evidence is to be reviewed.
See more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/us/flint-water-crisis-charges-dropped.html
World Bank Group announces debarment of French and Brazilian subsidiaries of Veolia Water Technologies
The companies were debarred in connection with fraudulent and collusive practices during a bidding process under the World Bank-financed Río Bogotá Environmental Recuperation and Flood Control Project in Colombia.