The water sector is facing the following challenges :
- Lack of coherent policy framework to guide water sector development.
- Inadequate sector institutional arrangements, there is a need to review and clarify the functions of water sector institutions, and the roles and responsibilities of sector organisations in relation to policy objectives.
- Low levels of access to basic water supply and sanitation services, the majority of the population lacks access to a reliable supply of safe water.
- Underdevelopment of available water resource which makes providing services to remote and dispersed rural populations difficult.
- Lack of user participation in planning, management and financing of water resources management and development undermines sustainability.
- Lack of water infrastructure as the existing infrastructure is no longer functional and systems of operation and maintenance are extremely weak or absent.
- Growing environmental concerns these include increased degradation and pollution of surface and groundwater resources and environmental problems associated with development.
- Management and mitigation of water related disasters such as frequent flood and drought events.
- Water use conflicts especially at lower levels
- Limited human resources and weak organisational capacity the protracted conflict has resulted in the breakdown of organisational structures and a shortage of core technical and administrative skills.
- Lack of a clear financing strategy that is necessary to attract investment required for effective management of water resources and delivery of sustainable water supply and sanitation services.