Title

Zambia: Water Supply and Sanitation - reform and regulation
Country
Zambia
Summary

A previous lack of clearly defined roles and jurisdictional responsibilities within the water sector led Zambia’s government to take action and establish the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council, which is presently responsible for the main water policy principles. From this case, it can be concluded that any reform process is inherently political and requires the full commitment of its policy makers to correctly balance financial and political objectives.
Related IWRM Tools
  • Preparation of a National Water Resources Policy (
    A1.01
    )
  • International Water Law (
    A2.02
    )
  • Regulatory Bodies and Enforcement Agencies (
    B1.01
    )
  • Public sector water utilities (
    B2.01
    )
  • Water Rights (
    A2.01
    )
Keywords
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Lessons Learned

The reform process is inherently political and requires the full commitment of its policy makers to correctly balance financial and political objectives. Fundamental reforms are not a quick fix and cannot be substituted by private sector participation.

Success is often unattainable without reforming the external environment, with emphasis on the role of the owner.

Other external stakeholders may be important to balance potentially conflicting objectives of politicians.

Certain decisions must be left to utility managers.

Customers can be an important voice for improving performance.
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