The strategic use of small scale water providers : an analysis of private-sector participation in peri-urban Maputo
Author(s)
Bhatt, Jigar D. (Jigar Dinker)![Thumbnail](/bitstream/handle/1721.1/37461/123898238-MIT.pdf.jpg?sequence=5&isAllowed=y)
DownloadFull printable version (12.86Mb)
Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning.
Advisor
Jennifer Davis.
Terms of use
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
During Portuguese colonial rule biased service provision throughout the 20th century resulted in a city that today has spatially segregated water services distinguishable along racial lines. In 1975, a newly independent Mozambique lacked the financial and human resources necessary to extend its utility network to peri-urban residents. Water coverage rates and service levels could not keep up with population growth. Donor agencies and policymakers gave a great deal of attention to large scale-private sector participation but it was unable to overcome Maputo's infrastructure challenges. Today, less than 40 percent of Maputo residents have access to the utility network. Maputo's 'other private sector' - small, informal private-sector providers (SPSP) - serve over 150,000 residents with reliable standpipes and private connections and have contributed significantly to coverage goals. Sector planners knew less, however, about how they could contribute to future sector goals. This study aims to answer that question through a detailed analysis of their cost and price structures, investment profiles, and operating environment. (cont.) We find that Maputo's SPSPs already contribute significantly to the sector's coverage, service, and financial sustainability goals. They should be viewed as an integral part of Maputo's water delivery system and not 'a problem' like much of the literature brands them. Their operations can be made more efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable with the appropriate policy and business interventions. We recommend actively promoting larger SPSPs, universal metering, improved electricity supply, reducing costs associated with water pumps, and taxation and regulatory measures so ISNOs can contribute to all sector goals as planning moves forward.
Description
Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2006. Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-134).
Date issued
2006Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Urban Studies and PlanningPublisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Urban Studies and Planning.