World Bank Group: New e-learning course on water utility creditworthiness

15 January 2024

The World Bank Group, supported by the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has launched a free, public e-learning course on Water Utility Creditworthiness. This initiative aims to make water and sanitation utilities more attractive to commercial financiers and assist governments in fostering creditworthy environments.

Low cost technological adaptations at Lacor Hospital - the hospital uses a laundry system designed by Brother Helio, a Comboni Missionary, in which up to 800 kilos of linen are washed daily using solar-heated water that is harvested from rain into a 16,000 litre tank. 80 square metres of solar panels heat up the water on a daily basis. The low-cost technology may be suitable for adaptation is areas with limited or no access to electric power, or where costs of electricity are considered prohibitive.

This course is part of the World Bank Group's strategy to mobilize finance for development in the water and sanitation sectors, by focusing on improving the creditworthiness of water and sanitation service providers. It covers essential utility business aspects, including governance, financial management, and planning, to enhance creditworthiness.

Currently, the $16 billion in annual global expenditure on water, sanitation and hygiene falls short of the estimated $114 billion needed. The course will prepare participants to understand and leverage commercial financing, despite inherent challenges faced by utilities that come from being a public service provider, such as regulation or political risks.

  • Sign up and find out more here.

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