In a recent episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, we were privileged to host Sean Furey, the Secretariat Director of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN). With over two decades of experience, Mr. Furey has been instrumental in advancing sustainable water solutions in rural communities worldwide.
During the episode, Mr. Furey shared insights with podcast host Hisham Allam into the vast network of community organizations managing water systems and the challenges they face. Highlighting a recent example from Ecuador, he illustrated the extensive scale of these operations, supported by thousands of community boards and municipalities.
Download the transcript of this episode.
A key focus of RWSN’s work is leveraging technology to connect people and disseminate crucial information.
Mr. Furey emphasized the potential of online tools, such as WhatsApp and AI, to provide valuable services and facilitate connections among water professionals.
He underscored the importance of local and national level collaboration in addressing complex issues like climate change and water resource management.
One notable shift in the sector is the adoption of solar-powered groundwater pumping technologies. Mr. Furey discussed how solar pumps outperform typical hand pumps or diesel-powered systems, especially in rural and small-town settings. However, he also emphasized the risks of over-extraction of groundwater resources, particularly in agricultural sectors.
According to a study carried out among RWSN members, hand pumps will continue to be essential in distant, low-income communities even though solar pumping is thought to be the way of the future.
Given the challenging conditions and logistical challenges associated with providing service to remote places, manufacturers face a challenge in striking a balance between price, quality, and reliability.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, groundwater management remains a critical issue.
Mr. Furey drew attention to the need for a deeper understanding of groundwater resources, which are anticipated to become even more crucial due to climate change.
He discussed research program findings that demonstrate increased groundwater recharge in dryland Africa, providing a positive outlook for future water management.
Additionally, the private sector’s contribution to rural water provision was discussed. While acknowledging the challenge of attracting private capital due to the low financial returns, Mr. Furey highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to improve sustainability and service delivery, as demonstrated by a titanium mine project in Kenya.
Another important topic is RWSN’s approach to professional development and capacity building.
Mr. Furey elaborated on their initiatives to elevate rural water supply as a career, supporting individuals through online education and mentoring programs, and advocating for greater representation of women in leadership positions in the industry.
He emphasized the value of collective ownership and the necessity of addressing concerns related to land and water rights governance.
Finally, Mr. Furey cited a quotation from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus to discuss the importance of adapting to change. He highlighted the value of flexibility and learning in the face of rapid changes and promoted teamwork in the water industry to solve problems and innovate.
Listen to our latest podcast to explore the challenges and innovative solutions in rural water supply, and learn how RWSN is driving positive change through education, collaboration, and sustainable practices.
