Financing water infrastructure and services

Abstract

Competition for freshwater resources is increasing because of increased demand, a greater variety of uses and users, and depletion of some resources and loss of others because of pollution. However, the view expressed in World Water Vision: Making Water Everybody&s;s Business (Cosgrove and Rijsberman 2000) is that all uses could be served in the future, without depleting the Earth&s;s natural capital, if everybody committed to improving water management. Politicians and decision-makers must be the ones to initiate change. This should start with a management environment that enables the emergence of new tools, institutions, and capacities. Many countries have already started to adjust their approaches to water, introducing decentralization and participation and empowering communities and user groups. Water management requires clear definitions of water ownership and use and of responsibilities regarding water pollution. It requires transparent and participatory decision-making on investments, cost recovery, and service delivery. Above all it requires effective accountability and enforcement mechanisms that give voice and choice to users and societies. More and more countries are reforming their water management. However, financial issues often remain unresolved, approaches remain sectoral, and investment is often inadequate. The challenge of improving water management is especially daunting in countries with weak institutions and endemic corruption. Countries that lack a good educational system are also severely disadvantaged. In all countries reform will take time and so needs to begin now. Dialogue, debate, and exchange of experience at all levels will help to steer the process in the right direction and to keep it going.