Yes, this is a definite ...
Published by Ian Pearson
Yes, this is a definite challenge, especially in developing countries where water service authorities are faced with two dilemmas: lack of budget and lack of trained personnel to carry out WSPs. But even in developed countries many authorities feel it unnecessary as they have a good understanding and control of their water supply system and hence feel it to be just an administrative burden.
Ultimately it is a marketing exercise if it is not regulated. We need to not only show the benefits of carrying out WSPs, but also to make it attractive and desirable. In South Africa water service authorities could achieve "Blue Drop Status" if they managed to achieve a certain rating in terms of their water safety planning and a few other criteria. Those that achieved the required rating would proudly display this on a bill board visible to all as you drive into the towns. I am sure that there are many other means of marketing each suitable to a particular situation. The challenge still faced though is that authorities without the means may give up and hence continue to ignore the process.
Lets hear from other readers!
2 Comments
Developing countries are characterized by politicized institutions specially those with economic incomes or taxes, and water institutions are part of that; so politicians are those managing water institutions but not the most competent water professionals.
Published by Arturo Constante, Wastewater Purification - Zero Emissions
Though knowing little about the organization Social Watch, http://www.socialwatch.org/ they’ve published an interesting article, *SDG 6: (Re)municipalization of water,* https://www.2030spotlight.org/en/book/1730/chapter/sdg-6-remunicipalization-water
As has frequently happened in such development as suggested by the 2030 goals, well-meaning leaders involved in the urgent need to get safe drinking water to the worlds’ poorest have been overwhelmed by those who are out for a lot of money and describe their technologies as sustainable. We must not be fooled into thinking that there are neither technologies nor business models that would get safe drinking water to the poorest.
The Water Network seems to be as good a place as any to discuss the tragedy of this, while it is as big a roadblock as any to achieving the goals. Those who wish to be proactive in such development as starts with the health of prospective beneficiaries need to seek out models that will work. Most likely it’s already too late to get safe drinking water to all by 2030, but this could certainly be done, given a realistic time frame by embracing best practice technology and business models.
Published by Anthony Reid Harvey