Overall objective
Improve access to safe water through the implementation of at least 200 AWP.
Info
| Title | Special Water Project – ECOWAS |
|---|---|
| Initiator | Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) |
| Implementer | Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC) |
| Purpose | Implementation of 15 Autonomous Water Points (AWP) powered by solar energy per country |
| Beneficiaries (2024) | Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal |
| Beneficiaries (2025) | Togo, Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria |
| Beneficiaries (2026) | To be defined |
| Duration | 2023 – 2026 (3 years) |
| Preferred localities | Vulnerable populations (rural areas) |
| Funding | ECOWAS and partners |
| Budget 2024 | USD 4,101,250 |
| Budget 2025 | USD 4,196,548 |
| Budget 2026 | Pending |
| Coordination | Project Coordination Unit (PCU) |
Context
The ECOWAS region counts ~435 million inhabitants (~32% of Africa). About 46.47% of rural populations (~202 million) lacked access to safe drinking water in 2023. Sahelian climate, insecurity and violent extremism worsen the situation; water chores, school dropouts, health risks, gender inequalities. UNICEF: ~180,000 deaths/year among children <5 due to diarrheal diseases linked to poor WASH services.
Description
Implementation of AWP in 15 localities per State: borehole, 10 m³ solar water tower, public standpipes. Pilot experience 2022–2023 (3 AWP in Mayayi, Maradi — Niger).
Objectives
Specific objectives
- Set up the PCU and focal points
- Identify States/localities based on criteria
- Implement AWP in each State
- Establish local AWP management committees
- Build capacity of management committees
Methodology
Implementation by WRMC (participatory approach with DAGS and ministries). PCU: lead engineer, procurement specialist, communications, M&E. Ministries submit 20 localities; WRMC validates 15 (size <5,000, rural/urban, habitat, public facilities, availability/condition of water points). Bidding documents drafted/validated; procurement with DAGS; publications on ECOWAS/agency websites and specialized press.
Duration & Cost
Duration 2024–2026 (3 years). Average estimated cost per AWP: 21,000,000 FCFA. Budget 2024: USD 4,101,250 (~105 AWP) • 2025: USD 4,196,548 (~90 AWP) • 2026: ongoing.
Results
- Functional water points for vulnerable communities
- Progress towards 90% regional access by 2030 (SDG 6)
- Reduction of waterborne diseases
- IGAs and rural socio-economic development
- Increased productivity, reduced poverty, improved living conditions
- Strengthened community resilience
Phase-1
| Country | AWP |
|---|---|
| Côte d’Ivoire | 15 |
| Guinea | 19 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 15 |
| Liberia | 15 |
| Nigeria | 67 |
| Sierra Leone | 15 |
Monitoring & Supervision
Monitoring by national Water Directorates; WRMC focal person as primary contact; key control milestones tracked.
Status
PCU recruited; bidding docs for CI/Guinea/GBissau/Sierra Leone/Liberia/Nigeria validated and published; bid evaluations 6–17 Oct. 2025. Bidding docs for Benin/Togo/Senegal/Cabo Verde/Ghana/Gambia ongoing.
Schedule
| Activities | Countries | Date/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Start of works 2024 | Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau | February 2025 |
| 2025 tender publications | Togo, Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria | February 2025 |
For successful boreholes, favor the end of the dry season.
Challenges
Donor support
Mobilize additional funding (WB, AfDB, AFD, AECID, ENABEL…); consider a regional fund.
Mobilize additional funding (WB, AfDB, AFD, AECID, ENABEL…); consider a regional fund.
Before the rainy season
Launch before rains to avoid crop damage and impassable roads.
Launch before rains to avoid crop damage and impassable roads.
Execution timelines
Set up monitoring/reporting system and correct drifts.
Set up monitoring/reporting system and correct drifts.
Contractor advances
Pay on time to avoid interruptions.
Pay on time to avoid interruptions.
Focal proactivity
Report defects and inform WRMC if uncorrected.
Report defects and inform WRMC if uncorrected.
Coordination
Strengthen WRMC–ministry coordination.
Strengthen WRMC–ministry coordination.
Presentation Video
Contacts
11 B.P. 1437 Ouagadougou 11 — Burkina Faso • wrmc_cgre@ecowas.int