Abstract
One response to widespread failure in public sector service delivery
has been to challenge conventional models for provision, on both
theoretical and practical grounds. The theoretical arguments are
discussed first, and the resulting assumptions on which recent reform
efforts, especially private sector participation, have been based
are identified. Water supply, sanitation and solid waste management
are then discussed in turn, although it is recognised that they
are closely related to each other and should not be considered in
isolation. First, the key issues which need to be considered in
planning for improved supply are identified, and then each section
reviews alternative arrangements for the allocation of organisational
responsibilities and examines the outcomes of recent organisational
changes and attempts to improve delivery. The arguments are illustrated
with case studies and research on the views of users. The paper
concludes that a more nuanced view than those provided either by
neo-liberal critiques of public sector provision or statist condemnations
of privatisation are needed.
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