WaterLinks Pitches for Stronger WASH Regulation at the Global WOPs Congress

Mai Flor participated in a session on regulatory frameworks for water and sanitation services during the GWOPA 6th Congress in Bonn, Germany, on 27 October 2025. The session featured presentations on the World Health Organization’s regulatory roadmap, Kenya’s experience in embedding equity in its regulatory arrangements, and ESAWAS’ regional benchmarking initiative. Panel discussions highlighted the importance of strong, context-appropriate regulation, equitable tariffs, data-driven decision-making, and digital monitoring tools. Regulation was increasingly being viewed, and valued, as a tool for enhancing utility performance, securing accountability, and ensuring fair play amongst all constituencies.

Mai Flor demonstrated how Water and Sanitation Operator Partnerships facilitate peer learning, strengthen regulatory practices, and improve utility performance. Her arguments derived from WaterLinks’ recent experience on a project for regulatory reform in South Asia (India, Bangladesh, and Nepal) supported by the Gates Foundation.