PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SUPPLY

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SUPPLY – BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES TO MAKE HUMAN RIGHTS IN WATER AND SANITATION REAL

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES TO MAKE HUMAN RIGHTS IN WATER AND SANITATION REAL

Contextualization

It was generally discussed how each supply modality can contribute to access to water and sanitation to be effective human rights. From a private sector point of view, it is not about owning water: the focus of private provision is to customize service in each region to reach its full potential in the sanitation system and to work on efficiency to provide clean water and maintenance where public system does not reach. The public sector, considering water as the property of the “people”, understands that the population has more autonomy if the management is public, enabling clean water at affordable prices in cities and more recognition of their rights in public benefits.The public sector presented several examples of failure in private services: Mexico, France, the United States, Germany, Spain and Indonesia, but it was emphasized that public services are not perfect because they are public and that there are challenges related to transparency and sustainability, especially.

Recommendations

The public sector recommendation was to foster the participation of the population to achieve a common path in the public water system as well as to educate the new generation with a conscious use of water. Further work was recommended when diverging political parties take over and try to undo the work of the previous administration; unification of all spheres to make a better effort to universalize access to clean water; greater transparency and attention to the investments involved, so that there is no overpricing and so that the tariff values are appropriate to what the community can really afford. In some cases, public and private administrations can work together to improve sanitation services while extending citizens’ belonging to the city, making water accessible to everyone.

Conclusions

As a conclusion, in addition to the choice between public or private water sanitation services, water has come into focus as a theme that should bring the sectors together to ensure human rights with access to potable water.