Tapping the markets : opportunities for domestic investments in water and sanitation for the poor

This publication discusses the challenges faced in accelerating access to improved water and sanitation services beyond the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets. It examines the private sector provision of piped water services and on-site sanitation services in rural areas and small towns, with case studies from several countries. The preferences and circumstances of poor households and the performance of enterprises that provide services directly to them are examined, as are commercial and investment climate factors that may affect enterprises' actual or perceived costs and risks. Both water and sanitation are viewed in separate parts, giving a detailed breakdown and analysis of the individual issues starting with 'What is the problem?' and leading through Government roles, market potential, demand, supply and drawing some well-formed conclusions.