Many NGOs are experimenting with ways to fill the gap in service delivery in poor urban (& peri-urban) communities. In many cases, these projects have revolved around the creation of institutions in low-income communities to manage water supply and sanitation. BPD held a workshop in November 04 bringing NGOs together to share experiences regarding what works and what does not in the establishment of these institutions.
One of the first tasks of the workshop was to present the experiences of each NGO. Several main models for service delivery and management in poor urban areas emerged. Despite variations, many of the models with which the participants had experience fell into two or three general categories. Once the main generic models had been established, the participants examined in great detail what the primary challenges (or fatal flaws) were for each. The draft workshop report (pdf 413KB) details these generic models discussed; the roles of NGOs in relation to these management models; and a summary of recommendations for utilities and governments.
We encourage your comments and feedback on this draft report as well as examples of other management models.
Part of this research initiative will be around the types of interventions by governments and utilities that would make the creation of specialised management systems for the urban poor either more feasible and less complicated, or perhaps even unnecessary in the first place. A broader workshop is planned for Spring 2005 bringing together NGOs, utilities (public and private) and other interested groups.