While cutting-edge technologies from the developed world present promising avenues for advancing Africa’s water infrastructure, success depends not on replication, but on adaptation. Region-specific application, rooted in deep contextual understanding and guided by experienced technical teams, is essential to long-term sustainability.

Without this insight, the risk of failed infrastructure, tragic health incidents and wasted investment rises sharply. True progress occurs when innovation meets local realities through thoughtful partnerships that align technical ambition with regional experience. This philosophy is at the heart of GIBB Engineering & Architecture’s work across the continent.

GIBB Technical Executive, Wiero Vogelzang, says common pitfalls in implementing advanced technologies on the continent include a poor understanding of the local characteristics of water and sanitation management; a lack of financial support for operations and maintenance (O&M); low levels of operator expertise and a shortage of readily available parts, placing strain on infrastructure and rendering crucial functions of essential unit water and sanitation processes ineffective.

“These factors can undermine infrastructure performance, strain already-limited systems and budgets, and ultimately render essential unit processes ineffective.

“To ensure any water solution is practical and sustainable,” says Vogelzang, “we begin by assessing institutional capacity, political will, available human and financial capital and the readiness of the O&M team to maintain the infrastructure. Only once these elements are aligned, do we proceed with the adoption of new technology.”

He adds that proper maintenance of infrastructure and equipment is essential to prolong the usable life of assets. “With the right strategic approach, the capital investment required for maintenance becomes the most cost-effective solution.

“Water infrastructure and equipment require regular upkeep. For instance, filters and tanks may need annual inspections, while other components, though durable for several years, benefit from frequent checks. General inspections are also critical to discovering emerging issues such as leaks or component wear. Preventative maintenance is thus key for infrastructure longevity.”

According to the Water Research Council, annual maintenance of infrastructure such as pipelines or pump stations can cost less than 1% of their replacement value. By contrast, poor maintenance can reduce a pump’s lifespan by 30% to 50%. The cost of failure extends far beyond the direct cost of repair and replacement of equipment and includes secondary impacts, such as contamination and service interruptions.

A recent success story includes the upgrade of the Zwelitsha Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), where GIBB implemented a robust, mechanical filterscreen. The new system significantly improves screenings capture, preventing clogging and eliminating the need for costly, reactive interventions.

GIBB approaches water and sanitation infrastructure through a community-first, multidisciplinary lens. “We develop technical support systems that engage local tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and others, who are trained to maintain and repair new water and sanitation systems. It’s about building local capacity,” Vogelzang explains.

With education and local ownership key to ensuring long-term sustainability of projects, Vogelzang says GIBB provides site-specific training during the construction and implementation phases of new infrastructure. 

“In instances where infrastructure meets basic needs such as the provision of washrooms, education programmes focus on good hygiene practises, generally initiated at schools or community workshops.” 

Looking ahead, Vogelzang encourages a practical, needs-based approach to technology selection. “In many parts of Africa, robust equipment that doesn’t rely on consistent grid power, such as solar-powered boreholes or oxidation ponds, is often the best solution. These systems are sustainable, scalable and suited to local conditions.”

“In large cities, sophisticated technology can be used but must be tempered with the available operator expertise and supply management requirements.  This needs to be balanced with other lower technology solutions for other more needy projects. It’s really a matter of dealing with “have to have” first before considering “nice to have”,” he adds. 

By embracing a tailored, community-centric approach, Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure projects can deliver lasting value – transforming not just systems, but lives.