Kampala — The high prevalence of illegal water use in slum areas has forced the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to start urban pro-poor water initiatives.

Andrew Sekayizzi, the corporation's manager in charge of Kampala, explained that much as it is their corporate responsibility to ensure that slum dwellers access clean water, "we also want to reduce on illegal water use in these areas."

Sekayizzi was on Monday presenting a paper on the 'pro-poor water service innovations in Kampala at a three-day Scientific Technical Council meeting. The function organised by the African Water Association, was held at Resort Hotel Munyonyo.

The meeting that attracted 17 African countries discussed improving water and sanitation services with focus on equity.

Dennis Mwanza, a World Bank official based in Nairobi, said in Kenya, the poor pay 60 times higher than those with house or domestic connections.