Cross WOP collaboration between Mali & Ghana for equitable water access

Visiting the Weija Water Treatment Plant of Ghana Waters Ltd.

Low income water services: challenges in Mali

In Mali, over 9 million Malians lack access to reliable water supply (US Aid, 2023) (You are leaving this website). Among the causes, the economic burden of building infrastructure and household water connections rank top of the list. In Bamako, World Waternet has been partnering with SOMAGEP for the last 8 years as part of the WaterWorX programme to tackle challenges including capacity building, Non-Revenue Water, water quality, and of course, water connections in low-income areas.

The true cost of connection: why water access in Bamako is still out of reach for many

On average establishing a water connection in Bamako costs 150000 CFA or 230 Euros, but when 20.8% of the population lives in poverty, at 1.89 euros a day (2021, World Bank), (You are leaving this website) many households get left behind. Subsidies are an obvious solution, however, they are not popular due to the misconception that once connected, water utilities lose money due to unpaid bills.

Ghana shows that inclusive water access pays off

However, at Ghana Waters, employees have made an analysis of the payment behaviour of the low-income customers. Their analysis indicates that low-income customers are just as likely to pay their bills as any other customer. This suggests that the low-income connections will not result in the financial losses of the water utlity. On the contrary, investing in educating these newly connected customers, can result in above average payment. Thus, the low-income customers support unit have shown that low-income customers are worth connecting.

Head of the GWCL’s Low Income Support Unit Faustina Boachie: “The prejudice is that low-income customers are paying less than high income customers, which is why they serve more water to these high-income customers. However, our research has shown that these different customers show similar behaviour"

WaterWorX Mali x Ghana exchange vist

Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is working through WaterWorX to expand access to safe drinking water in vulnerable urban areas. With around five million urban residents in Ghana still unserved, their Low-Income Customer Support Unit is on track to connect over 75,000 people through 2,100 subsidised household connections and 34 kilometres of network extensions by 2026. Since the WaterWorX partnership in Mali faces a similar challenge the case of Ghana offered critical insights. To translate learning into action, staff from Société Malienne de Gestion de l’Eau Potable (SOMAGEP) visited their peers at Ghana Water Company Limited to study how the customer support unit operates. They examined payment records, discussed engagement strategies, and saw firsthand how consistent follow-up helps maintain bill collection even in the poorest neighbourhoods. The 4 take-away concrete solutions that we brought to the Mali WOP:

1. Collaboration with the water user association
2. Tarif setting
3. Investing in low-incom is worth it
4. Peer-to-peer cross knowledge transfer

The Malian delegation (Hamadoun DICKO, Thierno SISSOKO and Alpha DIAKITE) participating in discussions on the 4 topics mentioned above.

1. Collaboration with the water user association

A Water User Association (WUA) is a voluntary group of individuals who cooperatively manage, share, and conserve a common water resource.d In Ghana, WUAs have proven effective for enhancing community-led water governance, especially at small-scale irrigation schemes. One of the strongest takeaways from our visit was the essential role of these associations. They serve as a communication bridge between the utility and the community by translating technical language into practical understanding, resolving issues locally, and fostering genuine ownership. With institutional structures supported by constitutions and community accountability (Institutional and organisational requirements), WUAs have shown they can support climate change adaptation by promoting sustainable water use and reducing vulnerability to water stress (Adequacy for current climate, Reduction of vulnerability to climate change). It is a model of mutual respect and shared responsibility that we are excited to explore further in Mali.

Members of the Water User’s Association.

2.Tarif setting

One of the standout lessons from Ghana was the power of independent and institutionalised tariff setting. Unlike ad hoc or politically-driven pricing, Ghana’s water tariffs are reviewed and approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) – an independent body tasked with balancing affordability for consumers with cost recovery for the utility. The PURC takes into account real costs – like treatment, energy, personnel, and asset depreciation – and consults stakeholders along the way. Tariffs that are realistic, socially sensitive, and designed for long-term service delivery. This institutional backbone has allowed Ghana Water to invest, expand, and improve while staying financially afloat.
For WaterWorX Mali, this sparks an important reflection: How can we work towards a more structured and independent approach to tariff setting?

3.Low-income customers do pay – and are worth the investment

Perhaps the most powerful myth-busting moment: yes, investing in low-income areas is financially viable. The Ghanaian experience proves it. With inclusive engagement and reliable services, these customers pay their bills and contribute to the system. For the team from our Mali WOP, that was the most compelling takeaway, and perhaps the biggest opportunity to capitalize on.

Visiting Ghana Water Institute

4. South–South Collaboration for Sustainable Water Services

The exchange visit between SOMAGEP and Ghana Water Company Limited offered practical insight into approaches that work. From customer support units to transparent tariff setting and the role of Water User Associations, each element demonstrated how inclusive and structured service models can improve water access in low-income areas. The experience in Ghana provided relevant and applicable knowledge that can support progress in Mali and strengthen both Water Operators’ Partnerships.

Collaboration for healthy water cycles

This visit also confirmed the value of South–South collaboration. When utilities with shared challenges connect directly, they can accelerate problem-solving and support each other in restoring water cycles. We believe that this visit lays the foundation for a growing network of African water utilities supporting each other for more resilient, equitable, and sustainable water services.