Throughout term, I
have looked at a number of different approaches to achieving sanitation
success. Despite looking at both top down and bottom up approaches, the
majority of blogs have focused upon market-based approaches to sanitation.
These approaches have seen success within their own context, however I have
raised the issue of scaling up market based approaches.
The focus of this
blog is hinged upon the Carter and
Danert (2003) paper on 'the private sector and water and sanitation
services - policy and poverty issues'. Towards the start of the paper, they
talk of the need for a comprehensive system for sanitation, implying that
despite the efforts and success the private sector has seen, more needs to be
done through vertical linkages, including both bottom up and top down
approaches.
The private sector
can be aided in developing innovative sanitation facilities, but there is some
need for state steer. Across Africa there is a gulping lack of ability for
governments to fund these sorts of projects. However, Ghana provides a good
example and other African countries may follow suit.
The sanitation challenge is a
project that has been running since November 2015 and will finish in December
2018. With an aim of providing a series of financial prizes for MMDA's
(Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies), to encourage efficient and
innovative solutions to sanitation and waste issues in Ghana. The combination
of the private sector and local municipalities may provide the right level of
steer from government. The prize money provides an alternative method of funding,
which without would seldom exist and alone would not be funded by government
(if they themselves had to develop the technology).
In the coming two
years, a series of prizes will be awarded, which may help Ghana reach its
sanitation targets in align with the sustainable development goals. This is
also an interesting example as it promotes a shift in the stance of government
towards sanitation. As mentioned governments and local municipalities have been
reluctant in funding sanitation and often leave the responsibility to
individuals. However, Ghana’s shift in stance may present serious opportunities
across the whole of Africa if other countries are to follow suit.
The competition
provides incentives for local municipalities to work with the private sector to
provide an innovative solution to sanitation, which may otherwise not be
reached.
Hi Charlie,
ReplyDeleteWhile the Sanitation Challenge initiative may well produce some worthwhile and impressive outcomes for local communities in Ghana, who is to say that post-2018, after the monetary and honourary prizes have been awarded, that progress will continue to be made? Who or what will incentivise MMDAs or private companies to improve sanitation facilities?
Robert
Hi Robert,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. With reference to other market based, private sector sanitation initiatives such as sanergy, it is evident that market based approaches have great potential.
The Sanitation challenge initiative creates a platform at which local municipalities can work with private sector firms and entrepreneurs to develop a sustainable sanitation service.
I cannot guarantee the continuation of sanitation progress after 2018 (due to a lack of economic incentives), however, I believe that this platform will encourage local municipalities to think about sanitation in an innovative way. Hopefully, when it turns 2018, each municipality will have already developed an effective sustainable sanitation service, by then it would be profitable and the local municipalities and private sector firms involved in the scheme will be willing to continue work on their projects if there is an economic incentive in the long run.