Written in a clear style and in user-friendly language the Manual‘s structure gives managers and technical staff the opportunity to understand the factors that influence NRW and the solutions for managing it. Drawing on case study examples and key messages from African utilities the manual aims to offer practical solutions to the NRW challenges, so that in future utility managers will be in a better position to tackle the challenges associated with this issue.

Water utility managers are encouraged to use the Manual, taking advantage of the depth of knowledge and experience that has been developed in recent years. This will enable managers to build up a skilled NRW management team, and to acknowledge the challenges and shortfalls within their particular utility. This will in turn encourage the water sector in Africa as a whole to come closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation services.