Promising management models of rural water supply services : outcomes of the 24th AGUASAN Workshop, Gwatt, Switzerland, 13 to 17 October, 2008 : a workshop for sector specialists and decision-makers

This report synthesizes the main workshop outcomes. It describes an analytical framework that can be used to assess the potentials and limitations of rural water supply management models. It also highlights key ingredients for success in managing rural water supply services. The main findings are: The existence of a legal framework clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders is one common element of successful models; In countries undergoing decentralization, local authorities should play a central role in the management of water services; The private sector plays an important part in managing water supply services; Capacity building is a crucial issue to tackle in order to improve the management of water services, regardless of the type of management model; In most cases, the dependence on external funding for the replacement of long-term assets or system extension is considered as a threat to sustainability; The case studies from Burkina Faso, Kosovo, Tanzania and Switzerland, analysed during the workshop show a trend towards more involvement of the private sector. This is considered as a way to professionalize the management of water services.