Using ICT to support sustainability of water initiatives in fragile states: the case of Goma in DRC

The water sector is increasingly adopting Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools to support water services in developing countries. In an emergency context, ICT tools can help reinforce the impact and resilience of projects by empowering local populations with robust systems that they can adapt to the local context and sustain in the long term. In the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the ongoing conflictual situation provides a continuous influx of NGOs. One consequence is that the population comes to rely on this presence, for instance for construction, operations and even monitoring of water systems. This paper looks at the case of Goma in DRC, where Mercy Corps and SeeSaw have implemented a digital system to monitor an extension of the city’s water network to poor areas. The rationale behind adopting a digital system will be presented, alongside the benefits sought, as well as some early lessons.