ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the potential for state-owned public banks to play a positive role in the equitable and sustainable expansion and improvement of public water and sanitation services in Uganda and Tanzania. Both countries have relatively strong public water operators but they are in need of financial resources. Official development assistance has shrunk and private finance has done little to close the financing gap. This chapter makes the argument that public banks could play a critical role in providing these financing needs, but it will require considerable political will on the part of public banks and water operators as well as increased financial support and capacity building efforts from international donors.
