Pro-poor water service strategies in developing countries: promoting justice in Ugandas urban project

摘要

Water service to the urban poor presents challenges to political leaders, regulators and managers. We identifyntechnology mixes of yard taps, public water points (with and without pre-paid meters) to meet alternativenconstraints, and reflecting populations served and investment requirements. Three investment scenarios havendifferent implications for improving water access to over 400,000 citizens in Kampala. One component, pre-paidnwater meters, can promote social equity and institutional sustainability. If procedural justice is given as muchnweight as distributive justice in the selection of pro-poor programs, pre-paid meters (the ultimate cost recoveryntool) can have a place in the investment plan. The study examines how public stand pipes (and a combination ofnother options) can meet both financial constraints and social objectives. Financial considerations cannot be wishednaway when seeking effective strategies for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.