Główne przesłanki rekomunalizacji gospodarki wodociągowo‑kanalizacyjnej na przykładzie Gdańska

Abstract

Purpose – Identifying key reasons for remunicipalisation in the municipal sphere using the example of water supply and sewage management in Gdańsk and assessment of the nature of this phenomenon against the background of world trends. Research method – Remunicipalisation is a little-known phenomenon, therefore the qualitative method was chosen to analyze the reasons for remunicipalisation – a case study using the example of the company Saur Neptun Gdańsk S.A. The qualitative analysis has been complemented by a quantitative analysis of the economic efficiency of water supply and sewage services. Results – Remunicipalisation in Gdańsk had certain features that match world trends: pragmatic reasons and a mechanism based on the expiration of the contract. In many countries, remunicipalisation resulted from disappointment with privatisation. However, the case study showed that this phenomenon is not the opposite of privatisation and neoliberal reforms but is one of public management strategies. Originality/value/implications/recommendations – Remunicipalisation is a phenomenon rarely discussed in subject literature. Understanding the specifics of remunicipalisation in Poland can make a significant contribution to the debate about its importance in shaping the ways in which local governments implement their tasks.