With an unprecedented five percent yearly average urban growth, the strain on already stretched and scarce basic food and water resources in now immense. This situation is aggravated by fragmented water-related polices by a variety of local institutions. There is therefore an urgent need for an integrated and innovative approach to management of water resources for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The partnership between the United Kingdom and African countries aims to"develop stakeholder capacity for the provision of sustainable access for poor communities to water and sanitation."

The current and future implications of this partnership were discussed at a side event at the Freshwater Conference. The multi-sector partner model seeks a trinity comprising of the private sector, national and local government and civil society to address unresolved constraints facing water supply and sanitation through focused activities and active coordination with other sectors, such as health and education, and other development programs.

Michael Meacher, UK Minster of State for the Environment, emphasised in his address that "Privatisation is not a condition for participation. The United Kingdom is simply bringing its management expertise in water-related issues." He continued that "We must make the concept of partnership a real one. This means listening to the active voices in leadership at community level, and ensuring their full participation."

Ronnie Kasrils, South African Minster for Water Affairs and Forestry, appreciated the United Kingdom's assistance. He said, "I believe that the trinity of water, sanitation and projection of the health message is best implemented in stand alone, local partnerships. We have the will and commitment to take this forward, and look forward to working with our British colleagues to find innovative solutions in this new paradigm of sustainable development."

Alhaji Muktar Shagari, Nigerian Minister for Water Resources, called on the participants' assistance in tackling access to safe water and sanitation, which are the basic building blocks of sustainable development. He said, "We are very aware of the gravity of the situation, and hope to make these issues the priority in our agenda."

New partners joining the initiative also voiced their support for its aims. John Cuthbert, Chairman, Water UK, noted that "We bring not only our knowledge and expertise but also our enthusiasm and look forward to the challenges and mutual benefits that lie ahead." Other delegates present highlighted that this was a shared vision. Also, the importance of concrete political engagement which was now forthcoming was appreciated.

The present target is now to have at least one project in a sufficiently advanced stage to show the viability and effectiveness of this process at the World Summit in Johannesburg in September 2002. It is hoped that by this time such multi-sector partnerships will be seen as part of the solution rather than merely rhetorical and theoretical possibilities.