Trans Africa Pipeline (Pt. 2): How Water Infrastructure Shapes Our Lives | Dr. Rod Tennyson & Dr. Romila Verma

Why do some water systems work— and others fail?Successful water infrastructure isn’t just about engineering. There’s a hidden social side — shaped by governance, culture, and power — that often determines whether systems actually work, or get built at all.In this second episode, beyond the technical side of infrastructure to explore the social, ethical, and ecological dimensions of water access. Dr. Verma introduces her Four Pillars of Water Sustainability — science, governance, economics, and cultural connection — and we explore how these ideas can reshape how cities, towns, and regions manage water today. From sponge cities to sacred rivers, we discuss why collaboration and care are at the heart of any truly sustainable water system.Guest: Dr. Rod Tennyson & Dr. Romila VermaSeries: How the Trans Africa Pipeline (TAP) Can Solve the Sahel Region’s Water CrisisWhat if water infrastructure could do more than deliver clean drinking water — what if it could transform economies, support food security, reduce climate migration, and unite communities across borders?In this 3-part series, Urban Limitrophe explores the story of the TransAfrica Pipeline (TAP) — a visionary project to bring clean, desalinated water across the Sahel through a 7,000-kilometre pipeline powered by renewable energy. Through conversations with co-founders Dr. Rod Tennyson and Dr. Romila Verma, we unpack how water connects to everything: agriculture, innovation, migration, environmental justice, and community resilience.Acknowledgements:This episode is co-supported by the Nurubian, the University of Toronto School of Cities and the Department of Geography and Planning. About Urban Limitrophe:Please visit www.urbanlimitrophe.com for all episode show notes, references and guest details. To access social media, newsletter, and additional projects visit: https://linktr.ee/urbanlimitrophePlease address any related communication to hello[at]urbanlimitrophe.com Credits: Music by Imany LambropoulosPodcast concept, development, and design by Alexandra Lambropoulos