Access through innovation : expanding water service delivery through independent network providers : considerations for practitioners and policymakers

This publication is based on action research carried out in Ghana, Mauritania, Mali and Mozambique. The work sheds light on independent network providers, the scope of their operations and the (financial) constraints they face. Although fewer in number than expected, Mauritania and Maputo highlight the potential of their role in providing water to the otherwise ´unserved´. Their operations compare well with those of formal utilities, even without much support and subsidy. Users are broadly satisfied and appreciate their services.

Two different types of independent providers are distinguished: those operating in small towns where they are often the main providers and actively sought out by public sector to run and expend services, and those operating in peri-urban areas where they fill in the gaps left by the urban water utilities and are often spin-offs of other small business operations (hotels, factories).

The paper examines the performance of the independent operators and how they could benefit from better regulation and sector reform. It concludes that careful engagement of independent operators with the public sector has the potential to improve services to significant numbers of the urban and peri-urban population in West Africa and beyond.