28 September 2012: The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has found that the EU “could and should do better” in development assistance in the field of water and sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa.

The ECA found that out of 23 projects in six African countries, EU water and sanitation projects increased access to drinking water and sanitation, but did not achieve the fully desired results or meet the needs of recipients. The audit found that the projects were technically sustainable, using easily replaceable technology made from local materials, but that the projects failed in the medium and long-term when non-tariff revenue stopped due to weak operator capacity.

The ECA report, “EU Development Assistance for Drinking Water Supply and Basic Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Countries,” said the European Commission could better at implementing existing procedures to maximize benefits. The report introduces EU policy for financial assistance to the water and sanitation sector, outlines the audit scope and approach, discusses observations from the 23 projects, and presents conclusions and recommendations.

The audit assessed projects in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania. [EU Press Release] [Publication: EU Development Assistance for Drinking Water Supply and Basic Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Countries]