Publication: Competition in Water and Sanitation : The Role of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs
Date
1998-12
ISSN
Published
1998-12
Author(s)
Solo, Tova Maria
Abstract
In water and sanitation there has always
been a belief that the sector has a high degree of natural
monopoly. But competition is widespread at the low-income
end of the retail level in developing countries. There are
no inherent monopoly characteristics in, for example,
reselling water by bucket. This Note explores the diversity
of small scale entrepreneurs and their role in meeting
unserved niches of the water and sanitation market. Indeed,
small enterprises often account for a larger share of the
market than incumbent utilities and they are well placed to
complement and even compete with trunk concessions and
public companies in tailoring service to the poor. So in
designing concessions or any long term rules for the sector,
governments should take account of existing or potential
small providers.
Citation
“Solo, Tova Maria. 1998. Competition in Water and Sanitation : The Role of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs. Viewpoint: Public Policy for the Private Sector; Note No. 165. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/90475673-b6ab-58a7-b73d-acde04a9a715 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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