Balancing Coverage and Financial Sustainability in Pro-Poor Water Service Initiatives: A Case of a Uganda Project

Abstract

This article examines the Affordable Basic Water Project implemented by Uganda's National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Three alternatives to the NWSC service provision scenario are developed using a linear programming model, with the focus on different mixes of three service provision technologies: yard taps, public water points, and public water points with prepaid meters. The alternative scenarios allow better service coverage and improved financial sustainability, compared to the design proposed by the NWSC. The scenarios demonstrate a tradeoff between social acceptability and operational feasibility/payment collection criteria.