Where Have All the Alternatives Gone?

This chapter documents findings from research designed to identify successful alternatives to privatization and commercialization in the delivery of water and sanitation in Africa. Despite extensive efforts, our research found no examples of truly robust alternatives in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), although more diverse and promising examples can be found in North Africa. What cases are in evidence are dominated by commercialization and operate largely as private firms (i.e. corporatization) rather than in a spirit of public sector solidarity. We found even fewer alternatives in the delivery of sanitation. As a result, our discussion centres on water.