The challenge of applying whole-life asset management to improve water utilities performance in sub-saharan African countries

In recent times, the performance of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) urban water utilities compared to other countries in the world with regards to urban water supply service delivery has been dissatisfactory. This has greatly impaired their ability to meet the millennium development goal (MDG), of reducing its population without access to water and sanitation to 50% by the year 2015 [16] . Most urban utilities in countries that have met the MDG target have systems and structures in place which makes the adoption and implementation of sustainable practices like whole life asset management easier. However, the adoption of formalised asset management systems such as ISO 5500 in the context of utilities in SSA countries may be more complex than presumed. This paper will therefore set out challenges facing the Sub-Saharan African water sector as they embark on a journey to applying a formalised asset management system. Nigerian will be used as a case study to demonstrate challenges and concerns that may hinder the successful integration of formalised asset management systems in water utilities in sub-Saharan African countries.