scholarly journals Exploring the challenges to sustainable rural drinking water services in Chile

Water Policy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1251-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jami Nelson-Nuñez ◽  
Jeffrey P. Walters ◽  
Denisse Charpentier

Abstract Many countries around the world now face the dual challenges of closing the remaining gaps in access to drinking water in rural areas while further addressing the issues of equity, quality, and sustainability outlined in the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our research explores the key factors for sustainability in rural drinking water services in Chile, an important example not only due to its success in rural water access but also because of the new directions the country is taking to achieve the SDGs. Drawing on results from a Delphi study of Chilean rural water experts, we discuss the most important issues identified, including water availability and investment in community water organizations, as well as disagreement among experts, particularly around roles of private service providers and the national government. We leverage these results to assess Law No. 20.998 passed in 2017, which aims to address problematic variation in rural water services by introducing a stronger role for central government and conferring more responsibility on rural water organizations. The work presents insights for challenges countries closer to universal coverage will face as they work towards the SDGs and provides an analysis of the new rural drinking water governance landscape in Chile.

Water Policy ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 650-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satyapriya Rout

The paper reports the main findings of a study, designed to develop a better understanding of institutional variations in working with the demand responsive approach (DRA) in rural water supply in the state of Odisha in India. Data for the paper were collected from twelve village communities, where water is being supplied either through their community based institution or through the local government institution of the Gram Panchayat. The findings suggest that the two types of institutions performed differently in implementing the DRA. It depicted that the DRA under the broader rubric of institutional reforms in the water sector has failed to address the question of social inequality, and rather had reinforced and extended the already existing inequity of Indian society to access to safe and secure drinking water in rural areas. The study highlights that participation, cost recovery, full operation and management transfer may be an efficient proposition, but not sustainable in the long run without proper investment in institution building and support from the state, especially in provisioning of basic services like drinking water to rural poor.


2012 ◽  
Vol 518-523 ◽  
pp. 4126-4129
Author(s):  
Zhen Hua Liu

Source of water is the beginning of rural drinking water projects, safe water source is the key to rural drinking water safety. Status of rural drinking water source in china and laws and regulations on rural water conservation were analyzed. The population of centralized water supply accounts for 51% of the total population in rural areas in 2008, centralized water supply 49%. Groundwater source accounts for 57% of the population of centralized water supply projects in rural areas in 2008, surface water sources 43%. China has a relatively sound legal system of drinking water source, including basic law, general law, administrative regulations, local regulations.The paper draws a conclusion that sources of drinking water in rural areas is mainly groundwater, water conservation is short of specific laws and regulations and not suitable for rural area,it is necessary to improve laws and regulations on rural water conservation, government must assume responsibility for rural water conservation, especially financial investment and public policy support.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Carrard ◽  
Tim Foster ◽  
Juliet Willetts

Groundwater is widely acknowledged to be an important source of drinking water in low-income regions, and it, therefore, plays a critical role in the realization of the human right to water. However, the proportion of households using groundwater compared with other sources is rarely quantified, with national and global datasets more focused on facilities—rather than resources—used. This is a significant gap in knowledge, particularly in light of efforts to expand water services in line with the inclusive and integrated agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. Understanding the prevalence of groundwater reliance for drinking is critical for those involved in water services planning and management, so they can better monitor and advocate for management of water resources that supports sustainable services for households. This paper contributes data that can be used to strengthen the integration of resource considerations within water service delivery and inform the work of development partners supporting this area. We approach this issue from two perspectives. Firstly, we collate data on the proportion of households using groundwater as their primary drinking water source for 10 Southeast Asian and Pacific nations, finding an average of 66% (range of 17–93% for individual countries) of households in urban areas and 60% (range of 22–95%) of households in rural areas rely on groundwater for drinking. Together, these constitute 79% of the total population across the case study countries. Secondly, we review current and emerging groundwater resource concerns within each country, using a systems thinking approach to assess how groundwater resource issues influence household water services. Findings support the case for governments and development agencies to strengthen engagement with groundwater resource management as foundational for achieving sustainable water services for all.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Bolatova ◽  
B Toleubekov ◽  
D Kulov ◽  
K Sukhanberdiyev ◽  
K Tussupova

Abstract Background The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for universal coverage and access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all by 2030. Access to WASH in schools is one of the priority areas, considering Joint Monitoring Program is lacking the data from many developing countries, particularly, rural areas including Kazakhstan. The aim of the paper is to assess the access to WASH at schools in rural regions of central Kazakhstan. Methods The study was conducted in three rural schools using focus group discussion with school heads, the observation of drinking water and sanitation units, and a questionnaire survey among 166 pupils. All tools cover the set of questions about the availability and the privacy of WASH facilities, accessibility, acceptability to pupils, functionality. Results Results of the study show that the main water source of Algabas and Kerney schools is a centralized piped water supply provided into the school building and 85,91% of pupils from these schools report the uninterrupted availability of water from this source. However, Sartau has its well, and only 51,72% of pupils from this school indicate that water from the main source is continuously available. All toilets are flushing toilets inside of schools and not connected to the centralized sewage system. The maximum number of the toilet is 6 in the Kerney school; however, this amount of toilets is not enough for the number of pupils by the national norms. Majority of pupils (89,15%) report that the school toilets are always available. Nevertheless, 34,87% of pupils indicate no toilet paper as a reason for not using the school toilet. Handwashing facilities are located near the toilets and in classrooms. Only 53,02% have soap available and 42,77% have access to hand drying facilities after handwashing. Conclusions The current study shows rural schools of Central Kazakhstan are not provided with sufficient materials for pupils to manage personal hygiene appropriately. Key messages The study is essential for mapping the situation of WASH in schools. This study provides the baseline data for JMP; consequently, it is crucial to plan the UN SDGs in Kazakhstan.


2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 1317-1339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ako Ako ◽  
Jun Shimada ◽  
Gloria Eneke Takem Eyong ◽  
Wilson Yetoh Fantong

Cameroon has been fully engaged with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) since their inception in 2000. This paper examines the situation of access to potable water and sanitation in Cameroon within the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), establishes whether Cameroon is on the track of meeting the MDGs in these domains and proposes actions to be taken to bring it closer to these objectives. Based on analyzed data obtained from national surveys, government ministries, national statistical offices, bibliographic research, reports and interviews, it argues that Cameroon will not reach the water and sanitation MGDs. While Cameroon is not yet on track to meet the targets of the MDGs for water and sanitation, it has made notable progress since 1990, much more needs to be done to improve the situation, especially in rural areas. In 2006, 70% of the population had access to safe drinking water and the coverage in urban centres is 88%, significantly better than the 47% in rural areas. However, rapid urbanization has rendered existing infrastructure inadequate with periurban dwellers also lacking access to safe drinking water. Sanitation coverage is also poor. In urban areas only 58% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, and the rate in rural areas is 42%. Women and girls shoulder the largest burden in collecting water, 15% of urban and 18% rural populations use improved drinking water sources over 30 minutes away. Cameroon faces the following challenges in reaching the water and sanitation MDGs: poor management and development of the resources, coupled with inadequate political will and commitment for the long term; rapid urbanization; urban and rural poverty and regulation and legislative lapses. The authors propose that: bridging the gap between national water policies and water services; recognizing the role played by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the attainment of MDGs; developing a Council Water Resource Management Policy and Strategy (CWARMPS); organizing an institutional framework for the water and sanitation sector as well as completion and implementation of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plan, would bring Cameroon closer to the water and sanitation MDGs.


Author(s):  
S. K. Sarkar ◽  
Girija K. Bharat

Abstract India, with over 1.37 billion population and housing one-sixth of the world's inhabitants, has a significant role to play in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper analyses the policies and programmes of the Government of India, towards the achievement of Targets 6.1 and 6.2 of SDG-6 that focus on safe drinking water and sanitation. The alignment of the policies and programmes is discussed in correlation of the output, outcome, and impacts on these targets of SDG 6. The Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission (SBM) launched in 2014 led the country with more than 98% of households having access to toilets. The Jal Jeevan Mission has the ambitious target of universal coverage of drinking water supply. While these programmes have led to the overall development, a vast scope of improvement in these sectors exists especially considering the growing population, economic activity, urbanisation, and climate change impacts. Analysis also shows that adequate quantitative and qualitative data on the implementation of the various policies and programmes would be instrumental in synergising the implementation of the SDGs. A systems-thinking approach for sustaining the efforts of the ongoing programmes and ensuring equitable benefits of development in the water and sanitation sectors in India is recommended.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Amanah ◽  
Anna Fatchiya

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Rural areas in Indonesia vary in terms of socio-economics and cultural background, the landscape, physical climate, the resources, and the accessibility to extension services. Rural extension services play an important role in facilitating community development </span><span>from on-farm to off farm activities. Rural extension systems have to address the increased demand for the services and to nd </span><span>innovative approaches and strategies to facilitate community in the era of globalization. The paper aims to analyse the current status of rural extension systems in Indonesia, to analyse the role of stakeholders involved in extension systems, and to formulate plan and actions to strengthen rural extension systems. Assessment of rural extension systems was conducted by using a logical framework analysis models involving representatives from rural community groups and resource persons. Stakeholder dialogues and group discussions were conducted to gather information and to discuss the issues on rural extension. Data were analysed using stakeholders analysis to formulate strategy to strengthen rural extension systems. The results indicate that rural areas have shown changes in terms of socio-ecological aspects, land-uses, sources of income, and availability of resources. The changes are due to population increases that result in the need for more food, housing, education, jobs, and other public facilities. Community groups run small enterprise in rural areas for income generating activities. Engaging community and related stakeholders in the systems has positive effects for successful rural extension services. Stakeholder analysis showed that better collaborative extension services from service providers is needed to facilitate community. In terms of sustainable development goals, rural extension systems need the issues of food, health, water, gender, poverty and environment to be integrated into the services. Existing supports from local government, business sectors, civil society organizations, and universities are essentials to facilitate transformative changes in communities. </span></p></div></div></div>


Water Policy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. 69-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Humphreys ◽  
Klaas Schwartz

Abstract The abundant praise awarded for the development of the urban water services sector in Burkina Faso stands in stark contrast with the development of the rural water services sector. This article examines the funding of water infrastructure in four small villages in Burkina Faso. The article finds that public funding for water infrastructure for these municipalities is largely nonexistent. First of all, central government makes very little funding available for rural areas. Funding that is made available is then also prioritized for regions that already are relatively well covered. Secondly, the municipalities themselves also prioritize other sectors over the water sector for the investment of locally generated revenue. As a result, these municipalities rely on donor funding for developing water supply in their villages. This dependence not only leaves these municipalities vulnerable to shifts in donor funding but can also lead to inequalities as some municipalities are better at attracting donor funds than others. Some small towns are thus confronted with a double bias. First an urban bias in which the majority of public finance goes to urban centres. Second, by a donor-bias in which some towns are favoured for project implementation due to favourable site characteristics.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Nimoh ◽  
Kofi Poku ◽  
Kwasi Ohene-Yankyera ◽  
Flemming Konradsen ◽  
Robert C. Abaidoo

Ghana lags behind the Millennium Development Goals' target for sanitation, despite widespread effort by the central government. Lessons from the historical shortcomings of Ghana's sanitation policy now call for public–private partnership in the management of sanitation in Ghana. Using observations and in-depth interviews with small-scale sanitation service providers, this study investigated the constraints and motivations of sanitation-related businesses in peri-urban communities in the Ningo–Prampram district of Ghana. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analyses and reporting. The study found that there exist various sanitation-related businesses such as masons/latrine builders, hardware suppliers and pit-emptier, in the study area whose activities are constrained by some financial, logistical, institutional and social challenges which limit their performance. Nonetheless, the operation of a sanitation business in the study communities was found profitable, and service providers are motivated by the financial returns and other non-financial benefits to remain and continue in their respective businesses. Policy efforts by the government and other stakeholders toward addressing the constraints to sanitation business are crucial for increased private sector participation and better service delivery to all stakeholders in the sanitation market, and the Ghanaian economy as a whole.


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