Private Firms and Public Water

Realising Social and Environmental Objectives in Developing Countries

Edited by Nick Johnstone, Empirical Policy Analysis Unit, OECD Environment Directorate, France and Libby Wood, formerly Research Associate, International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK

While the potential economic benefits of PSP are well-known, the authors extensively discuss the environmental and social implications unique to the sector. The focus of the book is on the crucial role public authorities must continue to play to guarantee sustainability, levels of service and access to a variety of consumers. The authors show how these objectives are realised in very different ways – and not always successfully – in developing countries. The authors critically review the current literature and include new case studies from Manila, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Abidjan and Mexico City.

‘. . . the book is a useful exposition of some of the problems facing public regulators dealing with PSP in WSS in developing countries. It should be required reading for all working in the area.’
– Warren Musgrave, The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics

‘The authors are to be congratulated on the appearance of a rare and important book, which provides much to think about in this topical area.’
– J.T. Winpenny, Development Policy Review

‘There is much useful information contained in this collection, a wealth of empirical evidence that shows in great detail the actual implementation of water service privatization. . . Both the editors and the authors of the individual case study sections have gone to great lengths to gather as much data regarding everything from service provision to user costs in order to paint what they hope is a reasonably full picture.’
——巴勃罗·施拉玻色,自然再保险sources Forum

‘I think this is an important subject and the book is timely. It offers the reader a set of interesting and useful reviews of what is happening in this area in a number of developing countries. That there is a role for the private sector in financing sustainable development is not in doubt. But there are many pitfalls and a book such as this, which improves our understanding of how best to harness private resources is very welcome indeed.’
– Anil Markandya, University of Bath, UK