Resumen de Improving access to water through support to small water-providing enterprises
In many cities of the developing world, the water supply distribution network does not extend to the informal settlements of the poor, and these inhabitants rely on small water-providing enterprises (SWEs) to bring their water to them. This article arises out of ongoing research into SWEs and describes how SWEs operate in Khartoum, Sudan. Water customers there pay a considerable portion of their income to SWEs, but the rates charged by SWEs are reasonable considering the costs involved and seem to be competitive. The research aims to identify and test strategies that could enable SWEs to deliver a more acceptable water service to poor urban consumers by building partnerships between SWEs and water utilities, based on mutual benefits.
