scholarly journals Access to Water and Sanitation Services in Brazilian Vulnerable Areas: The Role of Regulation and Recent Institutional Reform

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Antonio Narzetti ◽  
Rui Cunha Marques
Keyword(s):  
Universal Access ◽  
Institutional Reform ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
The Impact

Access to water and sanitation services (WSSs) in low- or middle-income countries is constrained by the poverty and vulnerability conditions of the population. In this context, it is urgent to establish public policies for WSSs that will increase the economic access to these services so that they will be more comprehensive and comprise the entire population, ensuring a balance between social and financial objectives. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the provision of WSSs in vulnerable areas and of the difficulty in achieving universal access using Brazil as a case study. The role of regulation in the provision of WSSs in vulnerable areas and the impact of the recent institutional reform that took place last year in that country is discussed. The different experiences analyzed provide interesting lessons that contribute to the improvement of the Brazilian status quo and that, at the same time, can be good practices that can be applied in other countries. One of the main conclusions of this research is related to the contributions that regulation should provide in the universalization of WSSs, mainly when the provision of these services is ruled by a contract. Furthermore, we observed that public authorities have resigned their role in this scope and that they must be more effective and, particularly, more proactive so that universalization can be achieved.

scholarly journals The how tough is WASH framework for assessing the climate resilience of water and sanitation

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Howard ◽  
Anisha Nijhawan ◽  
Adrian Flint ◽  
Manish Baidya ◽  
Maria Pregnolato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractClimate change presents a major threat to water and sanitation services. There is an urgent need to understand and improve resilience, particularly in rural communities and small towns in low- and middle-income countries that already struggle to provide universal access to services and face increasing threats from climate change. To date, there is a lack of a simple framework to assess the resilience of water and sanitation services which hinders the development of strategies to improve services. An interdisciplinary team of engineers and environmental and social scientists were brought together to investigate the development of a resilience measurement framework for use in low- and middle-income countries. Six domains of interest were identified based on a literature review, expert opinion, and limited field assessments in two countries. A scoring system using a Likert scale is proposed to assess the resilience of services and allow analysis at local and national levels to support improvements in individual supplies, identifying systematic faults, and support prioritisation for action. This is a simple, multi-dimensional framework for assessing the resilience of rural and small-town water and sanitation services in LMICs. The framework is being further tested in Nepal and Ethiopia and future results will be reported on its application.

scholarly journals Determinants in implementing a public policy for an essential volume of free water in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 719-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Vargas ◽  
Léo Heller
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Free Water ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
User Groups

Abstract Within the framework for the realization of the human right to water and sanitation, States have the obligation to implement programs and public policies that satisfy the basic needs of their population, especially its most vulnerable demographics. In Colombia, this challenge has been addressed through policies that provide a determined essential amount of free water to people whose access to water and sanitation services are limited due to low income. Through a review of legal and technical documents as well as relevant literature, this article presents an analysis of the particular determinants involved in implementing this program in Bogotá and Medellín, as well as some related concerns. Among such factors, we discuss the evolution and changes of the tariff model used in service provision, estimates of basic consumption, the role of social movements and collective action, and user disconnection due to non-payment. The main particularities and differences of each case highlighted the inconveniences related to the method of identifying eligible users and applying assistance to beneficiary user groups, and the need for national guidelines in implementing this policy.

scholarly journals Trends in access to water and sanitation in Malawi: progress and inequalities (1992–2017)

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Cassivi ◽  
Elizabeth Tilley ◽  
E. O. D. Waygood ◽  
Caetano Dorea
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Billions of people globally gained access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation in the last decades, following effort towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Global progress remains a general indicator as it is unclear if access is equitable across groups of the population. Agenda 2030 calling for `leaving no one behind', there is a need to focus on the variations of access in different groups of the population, especially in the context of low- and middle-income countries including Malawi. We analyzed data from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) to describe emerging trends on progress and inequalities in water supply and sanitation services over a 25-year period (1992–2017), as well as to identify the most vulnerable populations in Malawi. Data were disaggregated with geographic and socio-economic characteristics including regions, urban and rural areas, wealth and education level. Analysis of available data revealed progress in access to water and sanitation among all groups of the population. The largest progress was generally observed in the groups that were further behind at the baseline year, which likely reflects good targeting in interventions/improvements to reduce the gap in the population. Overall, results demonstrated that some segments of the population – foremost poorest Southern rural populations – still have limited access to water and are forced to practise open defecation. Finally, we suggest including standardized indicators that address safely managed drinking water and sanitation services in future surveys and studies to increase the accuracy of national estimates.

scholarly journals The Factors of Constitutional Support for the Rule of Law in the System of Public Authorities

2022 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 182-190
Author(s):  
Mykola M. Stadnyk ◽  
Serhii B. Chekhovych ◽  
Hanna S. Yermakova ◽  
Valeriy V. Kolyukh ◽  
Ilkin S. Nurullaiev
Keyword(s):  
Rule Of Law ◽  
Graphical Model ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Rule Of Law ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Graphical Comparison ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The article examines the factors that ensure the constitutional provision of the rule of law in the system of public authorities. The aim of this study was to analyse the factors that ensure the constitutional provision of the rule of law in the system of public authorities. The constitutional design provides for the creation of rational structures for the functioning of public authorities, which should ensure democratic standards, economic development, anti-corruption policy by implementing the principles of the rule of law. The study used data on indicators that describe the state of the rule of law (Rule of Law Index), democracy (Democracy Index) and corruption (Corruption Perceptions Index). Methods of graphical comparison, scattering diagrams, classification of countries by categories were used. A graphical model of the dependence of the rule of law on the development of democracy and perceptions of corruption for 25 European countries is built on the basis of these factors. It is proved that the studied indicators are dependent: countries with a high Rule of Law Index (high level of restrictions on the powers of government institutions, protection of fundamental rights, law enforcement, security) have a high Corruption Perceptions Index (high level of anti-corruption) and Democracy Index. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop the constitutional provision of the rule of law by strengthening democratic values, improving economic growth and competitiveness, increasing control over corruption. Further research should analyse the impact of rule of law factors in low- and middle-income countries.

Tobacco addiction

2020 ◽  
pp. 546-554
Author(s):  
Marcus Munafo ◽  
Meryem Grabski
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Tobacco Addiction ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Impact

Tobacco use is a global concern, due to the associated health risks and the impact of the health consequences of tobacco use on the global economy. It is responsible for over 5 million deaths per year, and even though smoking rates have declined in many high-income countries, they are expected to continue to increase in many low- and middle-income countries. The focus of this chapter is on the epidemiology of tobacco addiction and its biological underpinnings, including the role of genetic influences. The importance of non-nicotine factors in tobacco use is discussed, as well as the use of tobacco in people with mental illness. Finally, currently available treatments for smoking cessation, as well as current policy measures to prevent and decrease tobacco use, are also discussed.

scholarly journals Projeto <i>Vida no Vale</i>: universal access to water and sanitation in the North East of Minas Gerais (Brazil)

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1075-1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Kauark-Leite ◽  
B. Vinçon-Leite ◽  
J. F. Deroubaix ◽  
A. Loireau ◽  
D. Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Water Sector ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
The North ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract. In the rural areas of the developing countries, the access to water supply and sanitation services is still largely inadequate. Poor governance of the water sector is frequently singled out as a cause and reforms are required. Studies analyzing the great diversity of restructuring efforts currently being undertaken in the water sector have not succeeded in determining the most appropriate institutional and economic framework for such reforms. Moreover they underline the lack of documentation on actual projects and call for concrete models and tools for improving water and sanitation services (WSS) and for adapting water utility practice to real conditions. In this context, the Vida no Vale (Life in the Valley) project is aimed at bringing universal access to WSS for all inhabitants of both urban and rural areas, in the north-eastern area of the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. The project takes sustainable development as its guiding principle, and relies on the joint implementation of an innovative technical design, a governance model involving public participation and subsidiarity, and an economic structure combining financial viability and social equity. Designed at a consistent geographical and hydrological scale, it includes the creation of a regional subsidiary of the existing state water company as a keystone element. The institutional organisation also relies on the creation of a public board consisting of the 92 municipalities of the project region and of the State of Minas Gerais. This board will be in charge of the system's governance. This paper presents the first step of the project (2006), consisting of a feasibility study and the implementation of 9 pilot sub-projects. During the feasibility study, the supply, demand and capacity to pay for water services were defined, existing infrastructure appraised, the necessary amount of investment assessed and an innovative operational model and a sustainable management system, including civil society participation, defined. The main features of the Vida no Vale project have been tested in 9 pilot sub-projects, and implemented in municipalities chosen for their low Human Development Index and for the lack of WSS, in both urban and rural areas. A second phase corresponding to the project's final implementation will run from 2007 to 2011. The Vida no Vale project design resulted in a logical and extensive framework which could be used for developing similar WSS projects in other poor, rural regions, its adaptiveness being a key feature for taking into account the specific, local conditions.

scholarly journals Models of Subsidies for Water and Sanitation Services for Vulnerable People in South American Countries: Lessons for Brazil

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1976
Author(s):  
Daniel Narzetti ◽  
Rui Marques
Keyword(s):  
South American ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
The Social ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Access To Water

Access to water and sanitation services (WSS) in developing countries is constrained by the conditions of social inequality and the services affordability for the poorest households. Therefore, public policies related to WSS need to broaden in scope given the challenge of reaching all customers, especially the most vulnerable, in order to achieve a balance between the social and financial objectives of WSS. This paper will contribute to the understanding of the main access and subsidy policies in South American countries focusing on the Brazilian case study. The different experiences in this region have provided some interesting lessons about these issues for Brazil; the conclusion is that the current indirect and cross-subsidy policies are important, but the needed practices for expanding pro-poor access require direct demand-side subsidies. A more proactive intervention through public authorities is also needed. A new subsidization model for Brazil is highlighted and discussed.

scholarly journals The future of water and sanitation: global challenges and the need for greater ambition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Howard
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Level Of Service ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Global Challenges ◽  
Piped Water

Abstract Water and sanitation services are critical for public health. The importance of these services is reflected in SDG 6 and the associated targets 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. Much progress remains to be made to achieve these targets, but it is already becoming clear that greater ambition is needed. This paper looks at three global challenges: the need to increase the level of service to protect public health including infectious respiratory diseases; the role of sanitation in combatting anti-microbial resistance (AMR); and the urgent need to build more climate-resilient services. We need to upgrade the SDG targets to focus on universal access to piped water on premises, to incorporate action on AMR in definitions of safe sanitation and to embed actions to improve resilience, which take into account the greater ambition called for in the SDG 6 targets. This requires a shift in thinking in the sector, away from relying on households and communities to manage their services to properly funded, professional services staffed by trained technical, managerial and finance staff. This will require more public finance and better use of financial instruments that have proved effective in other sectors. Increasing our ambition will mean the world can achieve the aim of universal access to safe, sustainable, and resilient services and protect public health.

scholarly journals Projeto <i>Vida no Vale</i>: universal access to water and sanitation in the North East of Minas Gerais (Brazil)

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2683-2712
Author(s):  
L. Kauark-Leite ◽  
B. Vinçon-Leite ◽  
J. F. Deroubaix ◽  
A. Loireau ◽  
D. Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Water Sector ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
The North ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract. In the rural areas of the developing countries, the access to water supply and sanitation services is still largely inadequate. Poor governance of the water sector is frequently singled out as a cause and reforms are required. Studies analyzing the great diversity of restructuring efforts currently being undertaken in the water sector have not succeeded in determining the most appropriate institutional and economic framework for such reforms. Moreover they underline the lack of documentation on actual projects and call for concrete models and tools for improving water and sanitation services (WSS) and for adapting water utility practice to real conditions. In this context, the Vida no Vale (Life in the Valley) project is aimed at bringing universal access to WSS for all inhabitants of both urban and rural areas, in the north-eastern area of the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. The project takes sustainable development as its guiding principle, and relies on the joint implementation of an innovative technical design, a governance model involving public participation and subsidiarity, and an economic structure combining financial viability and social equity. Designed at a consistent geographical and hydrological scale, it includes the creation of a regional subsidiary of the existing state water company as a keystone element. The institutional organisation also relies on the creation of a public board consisting of the 92 municipalities of the project region and of the State of Minas Gerais. This board will be in charge of the system's governance. The paper will present the first step of the project (2006), consisting of a feasibility study and the implementation of 9 pilot sub-projects. During the feasibility study, the supply, demand and capacity to pay for water services were defined, existing infrastructure appraised, the necessary amount of investment assessed and an innovative operational model and a sustainable management system, including civil society participation, defined. The main features of the Vida no Vale project have been tested in 9 pilot sub-projects, and implemented in municipalities chosen for their low Human Development Index and for the lack of WSS, in both urban and rural areas. A second phase corresponding to the project's final implementation will run from 2007 to 2011. The ongoing successful accomplishment of the Vida no Vale project would make it an exemplary and replicable model for other poor regions.

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