Research: Private sector participation
Introduction
Involvement of large private-sector firms in W&S service delivery has been highly controversial in both industrialized and developing countries. Our group is interested in identifying the conditions under which such public-private partnerships tend to confront conflict and resistance at the local level. We are also interested in understanding the factors that contribute to successful engagement of the private sector in W&S service delivery. We are focused not only on “large” private-sector participation, but also on the role that small-scale independent providers of water and sanitation services play, particularly in service delivery to poor households.
Current projects
Conflict in large-scale infrastructure projects (Freeman Spogli Institute, Stanford University, funding): A comparative case study investigating the causes of and management approaches for conflict within developing country infrastructure projects. More information can be found here.
Small scale providers of W&S services (World Bank, Water & Sanitation Program funding): A survey-based investigation of small network operators in Manila, Philippines, and Maputo, Mozambique to investigate issues of pricing, service quality, and customer satisfaction.
Publications
Davis, J. Private-sector participation in the water and sanitation sector. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 30: 1-39.