Bamako, Mali

Bamako, the capital and primate city of Mali, is witnessing rapid population growth, placing stress on insufficient WASH infrastructure, which is currently a contributing factor to low access rates to drinking water and sanitation. Several international organizations operate WASH projects in Bamako, including the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank; however, the bureaucratic inefficiencies (i.e., unclear scope and responsibilities of involved entities) hinder effective service delivery.

Presently, around 50-60% of the population have a piped water connection, and 15% have access to a municipal sanitation connection. Those who live in informal settlements and around Bamako’s periphery tend to have lower access rates, further compounding Bamako’s existing inequalities. A lack of available data on WASH issues makes decision-making challenging.