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Freshwater pollution is a major concern in Ghana, directly impacting human health. However, the underlying drivers of exposure and risks are not comprehensively understood, emphasizing the severity and impact of these diseases. This study assessed the interaction between water and human health, specifically focusing on the risk factors for waterborne diseases and the drivers of water pollution among residents near the Tano River Basin, Ghana. A sample size of 400 households was selected from five communities within the basin based on their proximity to the Tano River. In addition, the study combined both spatial and non-spatial data sources to map potential flood zones for the basin. The study found that inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and contamination from illegal mining were the primary causative factors of waterborne diseases. Additionally, floods and improper waste management significantly contributed to disease outbreaks. The flood susceptibility analysis indicated that areas highly susceptible to flooding cover 21.2% of the basin, predominantly in the southern part. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the drivers of waterborne diseases. This study will contribute to the local authorities in developing plans to prevent waterborne diseases and mitigate their economic and public health impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on assessing the impact of water and sanitation improvements on economic development in selected African countries. Topics include the nuanced relationship between water and sanitation variables and economic outcomes, the role of these interventions in promoting economic growth, and policy implications for sustainable development.

Financing frameworks for Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are lacking in developing countries. This study aims to develop a financing framework for adoption for water and sanitation PPP infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. Using data covering a 25-year period from 1996 to 2021, Tobit econometric models are applied to the secondary data collected from both international and domestic sources. The results of this study confirm that capital market variables, bank market development, and economic affluence drive the financing of water and sanitation Public–Private Partnership infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe. It was also established that both public and private sources of finance are instrumental in financing water and sanitation PPP projects. The results inform our eventual framework model, which integrates the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models, sources of finance for water and sanitation PPPs, and the drivers of water and sanitation PPP finance. This study recommends the application of the developed framework in the water and sanitation Public–Private Partnership infrastructure financing policy of developing countries so as to capitalise on the strengths, resources, and networks of the respective stakeholders in the PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for a healthy and productive life. High-quality access to these services reduces disease occurrence and spread in communities. Developing countries, including Pakistan, face significant challenges in providing these facilities. This study aims to highlight WASH-related service disparities in Pakistani households based on socioeconomic strata. Methodology: A stratified random sampling strategy was used, with a sample size of 1200 households based on the PDHS 2019 special survey. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to assess the association between wealth quintiles and WASH access. Results: The study found that 82.4% of households had access to improved sources of drinking water. Only 4.8% of households in the lowest quintile had access to improved drinking water sources. Water unavailability for at least one day per week was 13% higher among the lower quintiles. Forty-four percent of households using improved sanitation facilities belonged to the two highest strata, while poorer households predominantly used unimproved sanitation facilities. Conclusion: Lower-quality WASH access is more prevalent among lower wealth quintiles, increasing the risk of disease and infection. Further research is needed to inform policymakers and develop plans to reduce inequalities in access to WASH services. Keywords: Water and sanitation, hygiene, Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, inequalities, wealth quintiles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gaza Strip is dependent on external aid to deliver basic services, including water and sanitation. Such services are not sustainable due to the Israeli occupation and the limited financial and technical capacities of service providers and the state. This paper examines the incentives of stakeholders in delivering sanitation services in the Gaza Strip through a qualitative institutional economics analysis of literature supplemented with qualitative key informant interviews. External aid is crucial to deliver basic services in the Gaza Strip. However, this has created a dependency that undermines the sustainability of sanitation services. Donor agencies often prioritise capital expenditure on visible infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment, without addressing its long and short-term operational needs; hence the Gaza Strip's needs are continually addressed as an emergency response. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas de facto governments lack sovereignty over the Gaza Strip and Palestine. Therefore, they also lack the capacity and incentives to create an enabling environment for delivering safely managed sanitation. This paper contributes to development policy literature, the politics of infrastructure and wider politics of settler colonialism and siege basic services such as water and sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares water and sanitation services in municipalities that entered into a concession arrangement with a private operator versus those in a comparable control group that continued with a public operator. We explore five variables of interest: average tariff; water coverage; sewage collection; sewage treatment; and water losses. Our empirical strategy improves on existing techniques: after controlling for municipality idiosyncrasies, we adopt a difference-in-differences model with nearest-neighbor matching to evaluate private sector management impacts on these variables. We find a large drop in tariff after the concession switching to a private operator, but tariff increases are greater than public operator during the first four years. There is economical and statistical evidence of increasing sewage collection and treatment over time, but only economical evidence of improvements in water coverage; and no convincing evidence of reduction in water losses. The results suggest huge positive economic impact of switching services from public to private. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of World Water Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explores how boat dwellers on the inland waterways of England and Wales – 'Boaters' – experience water and sanitation services. Boating populations are not counted as customers of private water utilities, so they exist within the 'dwelling paradox' and are positioned at greater risk of water and sanitation insecurity. Interviews and auto-ethnography document a myriad of ways in which participants use these resources on different vessels and waterways. The Capability Approach emerges as an apt framework for representing nuanced journeys from water and sanitation access to perceived quality of life. Findings suggest that equitable services can be defined as those which enable Boaters to live in ways they value. This entails reckoning with diverse – and potentially divergent – definitions of a 'good life', supported by the personal freedoms to achieve it. We argue this research makes a strong case for centring lived experiences in service design, particularly in instances of disagreement on the constitution of adequate service levels. Co-creating knowledge with people living in the dwelling paradox reveals complex relationships with authority and exclusion. We extend this theory, and the principles of equitable service delivery, to emphasise the situated desires, choices, and freedoms of the populations in question.

This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of the Planning Department, Monitoring as well as Evaluation (DPME) in South Africa's Government Department. DPME is one of the South African Government establishments, brought in the year 2010, with the aim to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery in South African government departments through performance monitoring and evaluation. Planning, monitoring, and evaluation are some of the finest ways to make sure a project is carried out according to the plan and produces the desired results and effects. As previously mentioned, the purpose of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Assessment is to enable, affect, and promote efficient planning, monitoring, and evaluation of government programs targeted at enhancing outcomes, the impact on society, and the delivery of services. The focus of this article will be on the water supply, which is a common municipality service delivery in particular municipalities. A qualitative research approach will be employed. Data gathering will be based on yearly reports, observed reports on the water supply in the localities, and even quick conversations with the locals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how boat dwellers on the inland waterways of England and Wales - 'Boaters' - experience water and sanitation services. Boating populations are not counted as customers of private water utilities, so they exist within the 'dwelling paradox' and are positioned at greater risk of water and sanitation insecurity. Interviews and auto-ethnography document a myriad of ways in which participants use these resources on different vessels and waterways. The Capability Approach emerges as an apt framework for representing nuanced journeys from water and sanitation access to perceived quality of life. Findings suggest that equitable services can be defined as those which enable Boaters to live in ways they value. This entails reckoning with diverse - and potentially divergent - definitions of a 'good life', supported by the personal freedoms to achieve it. We argue this research makes a strong case for centring lived experiences in service design, particularly in instances of disagreement on the constitution of adequate service levels. Co-creating knowledge with people living in the dwelling paradox reveals complex relationships with authority and exclusion. We extend this theory, and the principles of equitable service delivery, to emphasise the situated desires, choices, and freedoms of the populations in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sexuality, Gender & Policy Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene is one of the main factors linked to community health risks. Hence, the objective of this paper as to evaluate the water, sanitation and hygiene practices and associated health risks for artisanal and small-scale goldmining at Stamico, Nsangano, and A.S. Lulila Mine Sites in Tanzania using 148 participants with structured questionnaires to harvest quantitative and qualitative data in this study. Findings of the study have revealed that about 95% of the case study area use boreholes water for domestic purposes, and majority use water without treatment. Pit latrines and open defecation are the common practices for most people at the sites. As such, this study revealed that, there is a possibility of microbial infection from salmonella due to the exceeded the limit value of 10-4. The chronic daily intake suggested that the overall hazard quotient of cancer risk from lead (Pb) was less than the tolerable limit for Pb exposure. The human health risk was assessed and the incremental lifetime cancer risk at all sites was low with values below 10-6. It is advised that artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites enhance their sanitation and water supplies in order to maintain excellent hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In settings where humans and animals closely coexist, the introduction of faecal material into unprotected water sources significantly increases the risk of contracting diarrhoeal and zoonotic waterborne diseases. The data were gathered from a survey conducted through interviews at randomly sampled villages; additionally, water samples were collected in randomly selected households and their associated feeder catchments. Molecular techniques were used, specifically qPCR, to run host-specific Bacteroides microbial source tracking (MST) assays for human, cattle, pig, chicken and dog faecal contamination. Unexpectedly, the qPCR assays revealed dogs to be the most prevalent (40.65%) depositor of faecal matter in unprotected surface water, followed by humans (40.63%); this finding was contradictory to survey findings indicating cattle as the leading source. At the household level, dogs (16.67%) and chickens (15.28%) played prominent roles, as was expected. Reflecting on some of the basic daily practices in households, nearly 89.00% of the population was found to store water due to erratic supply, in contrast to 93.23% using an improved water source. Additionally, a significant association was found between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) variables and the occurrence of MST markers after performing a bivariate linear regression. However, the inconsistency between the MST results and household surveys suggests pervasive sanitation issues, even in households without domesticated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background On September 10, 2022, a cholera outbreak was declared in Syria for the first time in over a decade of protracted conflict. As of May 20, 2023, 132,782 suspected cases had been reported, primarily in northwest and northeast Syria. We aim to provide a detailed description of water sources and clinical status of a patient cohort seen at a cholera treatment center (CTC) in northwest Syria.

The article discusses the urgent need to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in the Gaza region following the recent conflict. The conflict has severely impacted water supply, with a decline of 80% or more in water sources. This has led to a shortage of clean drinking water and increased the risk of waterborne diseases. The article suggests repairing water supply pipes, desalination plants, and sewage pumps, as well as increasing water supply through additional desalination facilities. Improving WASH in Gaza is seen as a shared interest that could contribute to long-term cooperation, stability, and prosperity in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene is one of the main factors linked to community health risks. Hence, the objective of this paper as to evaluate the water, sanitation and hygiene practices and associated health risks for artisanal and small-scale goldmining at Stamico, Nsangano, and A.S. Lulila Mine Sites in Tanzania using 148 participants with structured questionnaires to harvest quantitative and qualitative data in this study. Findings of the study have revealed that about 95% of the case study area use boreholes water for domestic purposes, and majority use water without treatment. Pit latrines and open defecation are the common practices for most people at the sites. As such, this study revealed that, there is a possibility of microbial infection from salmonella due to the exceeded the limit value of 10-4. The chronic daily intake suggested that the overall hazard quotient of cancer risk from lead (Pb) was less than the tolerable limit for Pb exposure. The human health risk was assessed and the incremental lifetime cancer risk at all sites was low with values below 10−6. It is advised that artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites enhance their sanitation and water supplies in order to maintain excellent hygiene practices.

This article examines the fifth iteration of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) to determine the state of urban India. We have some surprising revelations. First, regardless of class and caste affiliations, the gap between the higher and lower hierarchies in the NFHS-5 has shrunk since the previous edition, with the exception of provision of on-premises drinking water. Second, in combination with the growing body of literature on caste and ethnicity-based residential segregation in Indian cities, the most recent batch of data asserts unequivocally that such a segregation mechanism has not manifested itself in unequal access to public amenities; this is another positive sign. Third, profound inequality exists along class lines. Because class is only distantly tied to caste or ethnic ascriptions, we can observe a vast swath of wealthless residuals along the caste–ethnic hierarchy. We publish these studies in light of India's globally attuned aspiration to attain Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 10, and 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores poverty dimensions and negative experiences of households living in secondary cities of Kenya with the aim of understanding the determinants of the willingness to pay to access water services. Our findings suggest that negative experiences of households related to poor access to water, like water crises, water borne diseases, and daily time to fetch water, seem to play an important role. Conversely, poverty dimensions are not necessarily influential. More specifically, while daily income of the household is an important factor, other variables, namely, education, food shortages, and access to information do not have significant effects. Our evidence suggests that to raise the awareness of this public good's value, local governments should focus on improving citizens' information especially in poor areas, as well as the ability to pay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the profound effect of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty reduction, water and sanitation in the context of the pandemic era in Nigeria. As high-profile academia and bureaucrats seek to navigate the intricate landscape of development policy and practice, understanding the interplay between the SDGs, pandemic challenges, and Nigeria's socio-economic fabric becomes paramount. The study adopted documentary research design method through a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical analysis. Findings from the study show that, good strides have been made in the domestication process of the SDGs in Nigeria. Nigeria has developed its home-grown 'Integrated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Model) the model includes; empowerment, conditional cash transfers and vocational training, trader-moni, Market-moni, ANCOR borrowers programme of CBN. Finding from the study shows that between 2015-2021, over 10.5 million Nigerians were lifted out of poverty through empowerment, conditional cash transfers and vocational training, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that, government has lifted 10.5 million Nigerians out of poverty in the last two years. Buhari revealed that, those lifted out of poverty include farmers, artisans, market women, and small-scale traders. Finding from the study shows that, Seven hundred thirty-two (732) waters and sanitation related projects were executed, while Finding from the study shows that, 616 classrooms and other educational facilities were built or renovated. It was further showing that, a key challenge confronting the country has to do with Out-of-School-Children, a demographic challenge that relates to interplay between employment (SDG-8), education (SDG-4), poverty (SDG-1) and the digital economy (SDG-17). The study recommends thatThe government should encourage Sustainable Development Initiatives. The government should integrate sustainable development practices into policies and initiatives related to poverty reduction, water, and sanitation. Promote the use of renewable energy, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and prioritize the conservation of natural resources. The government should support the development of eco-friendly technologies and solutions to minimize the environmental impact of development efforts. The government should expand social protection programs to support vulnerable populations, including the poor, elderly, and informal workers, by providing cash transfers, food assistance, and healthcare services. Implement targeted programs that reach those most in need, using technology and data to identify and assist marginalized communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Zimbabwe envisions being an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. The vision 2030 has infrastructure development as a stand-out pillar upon which it is founded. The vision envisages well-developed, modern, efficient and resilient infrastructure as paramount to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery. The policy plan seeks to increase infrastructure investments in energy, transport, information technology, tourism, housing, and water and sanitation. However, a still hesitant private sector exists with regard to investment in water and sanitation infrastructure even in developed countries. Thus, the study seeks to analyse determinants of financing water and sanitation public private partnerships in Zimbabwe given that there is no consensus between reseachers on how determinant factors impact PPP investments. Methods The study applied Tobit regression methodology on data collected for the 25 years ending 2021 to investigate determinants of financing water sanitation PPPs in Zimbabwe. Tobit regression method is preferred given the censored nature of the investment values of water and sanitation public private partnerships that reached financial closure in Zimbabwe. Results In Zimbabwe, financial market development is a key financing determinant of water and sanitation public private partnerships. Both the capital and bank market development influences infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe`s water and sanitation sector. Moreover, foreign direct investment negatively and significantly relates with water and sanitation public private partnership investments. Conclusion Attracting private investment into Zimbabwe`s water and sanitation sector requires that policy design targets capital and bank market development. Reforms can be achieved through putting in place sound frameworks that facilitate effective financial intermediation systems, enhance market liquidity and lower cost of capital.

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between governance mechanisms, risk management practices and performance of water and sanitation projects in Uganda. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 66 water and sanitation projects in South-western Uganda. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and analyzed by using SmartPls Structural Equation modeling. The results revealed positive and significant relationships between the following pairs of variables: contractual governance and project performance, relational governance and risk management practices, and risk management practices and project performance. However, the hitherto hypothesized positive and significant relationships between relational governance and project performance, and contractual governance and risk management practices were not supported. Furthermore, it was established that risk management practices fully mediate in the relationship between relational governance and project performance, whereas they do not mediate between contractual governance and project performance. The fundamental contribution of this article to the project management literature is the confirmation that risk management practices act as mechanisms through which relational governance helps to maximize project performance in the context of water and sanitation projects in a developing country.

Background: The provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and services for schools is vital to students' health, development, and educational performance. However, school WASH coverage in developing countries remains low. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of WASH services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in 98 schools. A multistage sampling technique was used to select schools included in the study. Data were collected using observational checklists and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. We entered the data into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors with school WASH services. Results: The basic school water, sanitation, and hygiene services were found to be 65.3%, 31.6%, and 36.7%, respectively. The facility-to-student ratio was 1:48 for drinking water point, 1:59 for toilet stance, and 1:147 for handwashing point. The analysis of facilities access by sex revealed that the toilet to student ratio was 1:68 for females and 1:49 for males, whereas the handwashing point-to-student ratio was 1:179 for females and 1:114 for males, indicating disparities in facilities access by sex. The non-functionality rates for drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities were 22.5%, 8%, and 19.5%, respectively. School ownership was significantly associated with the availability of basic water services [COR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.466-14.426] and basic sanitation services [COR = 15, 95% CI: 3.27-68.28]. Moreover, the results demonstrate training on WASH [COR = 5, 95% CI: 1.087-23.018] and teaching programs on WASH [COR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.056-0.810] were significantly associated with basic hygiene services. Conclusions: The provision of WASH facilities and services in schools was inadequate and not on track to meet the targets of SDG 6. Training, WASH education program, and stakeholder commitment and cooperation at all levels are required to achieve the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Workshop I: "Local organization and construction of citizenship" is the first practical experience developed by Social Work students at the University of Costa Rica. This article corresponds to a systematization of the pedagogical process with a constructivist perspective developed in the period 2020-2023, in terms of the student body's approach to environmental issues, particularly with respect to environmental sanitation and its connection with Social Work in local spaces. Objective: Analyze the pedagogical process developed in workshop I to generate greater environmental awareness in Social Work students, for their ethical positioning to be consistent with the actions proposed within the course. Method: The article corresponds to a systematization of experiences, which was carried out by reviewing documents such as: course planning, audios and videos used in the development of classes, field diaries and final student reports, as well as presentations developed by students. Results: The pedagogical process carried out during the period under study is based on a constructivist approach, in which a personal reflection of the student body on perceptions, representations and daily actions in environmental terms is promoted, as a basis for the promotion of significant changes in themselves, the people, communities, and/or organizations with which they intervene during the practice. Conclusions: It is necessary to work on the change of thought structures and behaviors related to the environment, as a prerequisite to provoke social change with other local actors. The teacher is responsible for promoting new knowledge and mediating between culture and the student's learning processes, For his part, the student is the main actor in the teaching and learning processes, generating greater environmental awareness consistent with the actions within de class's framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic sanitation services are essential for human development, promoting health and inhibiting the spread of waterborne diseases. The availability of information on water and sanitation services at the local level supports the formulation, implementation and improvement of public policies aimed at advancing the provision of basic sanitation services to the population. In Brazil, the National Water and Sanitation Data System (SNIS), administered by the Ministry of Regional Development (MDR), is the largest information system for water and sanitation services in the country. Here we present the significant aspects of SNIS and offer the most recent results of water and sanitation services in the country, which reveals that water supply is the sanitation service closest to achieve the universalization preconized by the United Nations with almost 93% of the population served. The situation of sanitary sewer services reveals that only 61.9% of the Brazilian population have sewer collection systems, while only 78.5% of the collected volume is actually treated. The remaining 22.5% of the raw sewer is directly disposed in the environment. With respect to the generated sewer, only 49.1% of the volume is treated. The solid waste data show that a large part of the urban population is served by home collection services. The major challenge of this component is to ensure that the final destination is environmentally appropriate, since there are still many dumps that receive waste from different municipalities. The urban drainage data show that most Brazilian municipalities still have deficiencies in the planning of drainage services.

The UN High Level Panel on Water notes that a total annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) of $114 billion of $129 billion is required globally to meet the safe drinking water and sanitation targets 1 and 2 of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Annual operation and maintenance expenditure (OPEX) will increase, averaging $129 billion by 2030. In Sub-Saharan Africa, $36 billion is required and UNICEF estimates $15 billion is required to meet these targets in 21 countries in East and Southern Africa. Currently, only 15% of the financial investments in the sector are accounted for, which falls significantly short of delivering SDG 6. Consequently, innovative finance tools that maximise taxes, tariffs and transfers (3ts) are required to mobilise finances for the region's sector. This paper presents a diagnostic methodology for identifying bankable and blended finance projects in East and Southern Africa's water and sanitation sector. Potential projects were identified in Malawi, Mozambique and Ethiopia. Findings from applying the AHP (analytical hierarchy process) analysis recommend the use of the decision-making tool for prioritisation and selection of water and sanitation projects in the context of multiple projects requiring blended finance. The methods are applicable to other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance project pipelines whose collective cost and revenue mitigate investment risk. HIGHLIGHTS A shortfall in finance in East and Southern Africa is a significant barrier to realising equitable water and sanitation services for all.; To address the financial gaps, the sector will need to apply innovative finance mechanisms such as blended finance.; Multicriteria decision-making tools such as the AHP provides a valuable technique for evaluating countries’ potential for blended finance in the region.;

Improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in school settings is critical in addressing access disparities experienced by persons with disabilities. As such, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established ambitious targets which aim to achieve universal access to water and sanitation by 2030. Despite this, access to inclusive WASH services in schools remain a big challenge in many resource-constrained settings. This review seeks to examine access to WASH for persons with disabilities in school settings. We undertook a review to identify a wide range of evidence from peer-reviewed sources. We identified only two studies, and they revealed environmental, social and institutional barriers that negatively affect persons with disabilities' access to WASH services. We concluded the review with a call for urgent attention to build on this knowledge base as well as practical steps to improve WASH service provision in school settings in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zimbabwe envisions being an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. The vision 2030 has infrastructure development as a stand-out pillar upon which it is founded. The vision envisages well-developed, modern, efficient and resilient infrastructure as paramount to Zimbabwe's economic recovery. The policy plan seeks to increase infrastructure investments in energy, transport, information technology, tourism, housing, and water and sanitation. However, a still hesitant private sector exists with regard to investment in water and sanitation infrastructure even in developed countries. Thus, the study seeks to analyse determinants of financing water and sanitation public private partnerships in Zimbabwe given that there is no consensus between reseachers on how determinant factors impact PPP investments. Methods: The study applied Tobit regression methodology on data collected for the 25 years ending 2021 to investigate determinants of financing water sanitation PPPs in Zimbabwe. Tobit regression method is preferred given the censored nature of the investment values of water and sanitation public private partnerships that reached financial closure in Zimbabwe. Results: In Zimbabwe, financial market development is a key financing determinant of water and sanitation public private partnerships. Both the capital and bank market development influences infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe's water and sanitation sector. Moreover, foreign direct investment negatively and significantly relates with water and sanitation public private partnership investments. Conclusion: Attracting private investment into Zimbabwe's water and sanitation sector requires that policy design targets capital and bank market development. Reforms can be achieved through putting in place sound frameworks that facilitate effective financial intermediation systems, enhance market liquidity and lower cost of capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality improvement, sanitation, and hygiene have been demonstrated to have positive impacts on health, social, and economic development. However, global understanding of water quality, sanitation, and hygiene is limited. The study extracted data from the Joint Monitoring Programme (WHO/UNICEF) and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to estimate global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) levels. Statistical tools of univariate and multivariate analyses were used to process global access to WASH. Results show that men (53%) had access to safe water compared to women. Women (67%), on the other hand, demonstrated better hygiene practices than men (33%). In addition, adults had access to safe water compared to children, the elderly, and strangers. Globally, there is low water quality in landlock developing countries compared to small island developing states. The categorisation of countries into economic states of low, upper-middle, and high-income countries directly affects water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. Continentally, Africa recorded the least water quality, sanitation, and hygiene levels. Thus, African countries must learn from the best practice in governmental policies and management systems from other continents regarding water improvement, sanitation, and hygiene. HIGHLIGHT The paper seeks to meet global WASH level, reduce poverty, and hunger and protect human rights. Also, to preserve and maintain safe WASH which is critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Thus, poor water quality, sanitation, and hygiene affect human health, and social and economic development.;

This paper assesses the drivers of water conservation practices among opinion leaders in a water-scarce district of Ghana. It was found that the majority of the respondents have a positive attitude towards conservation of water and also felt hurt to see water go to waste. The majority do engage in water conservation practices. Age, environmental concern, income, perceived behaviour control, gender, and emotion were important drivers of water conservation practices. Social norm was found to exert no significant effect on water conservation. Policymakers should involve opinion leaders in the promotion of water conservation behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and sanitation facilities of an area are important aspects that affect the quality of life, health and environment. Pontianak City, Indonesia is known as the "Equator City." There are 150.16 hectares of slum areas in this city. The existence of these slum areas is mostly due to the lack of basic facilities and infrastructure, and lack of public understanding about the importance of a healthy and quality environment. The government has made efforts over the past 5 years to improve the quality of water and sanitation infrastructure in slum areas in order to achieve the 2030 SDGs and to ensure the universal accessibility of water and sanitation and their sustainable management. This research was conducted to determine the priority of stakeholders in Pontianak City in improving the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure in slum areas. The methods of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used, with the approach referring to the Indonesian Minister of PUPR No. 14 of 2018 concerning Prevention and Quality Improvement of Slum Housing and Settlements. The results (CR value < 0.1) showed that the Pontianak City stakeholders prioritized 0.30 the provision of drinking water in slum areas, 0.25 solid waste management, 0.23 wastewater management, and 0.22 environmental drainage. An in-depth priority study by various relevant stakeholders is needed to improve the quality of slum areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Estudos Urbanos e Regionais is the property of Associacao Nacional de Pos-Graduacao e Pesquisa em Planejamento Urbano e Regional and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Provisioning of water and sanitation services has become one of the key determinants of SDGs. This review focuses on the trends in water and sanitation services and reforms in India and Ghana over the last two decades. The findings reveal that access to water has improved in India and Ghana at 81.5 and 92.7%, respectively. However, access to sanitation continues to be a challenge in both countries, with the currently reported coverage being 59.5% and 18.5%, respectively. The index of sustainable development goal (SDG) performance of Ghana and India stands at 65.4 and 61.9 with global rankings of 100 and 117, respectively. The adverse impacts of poor access to sanitation increasingly reflect on rising numbers of population suffering from water-borne diseases. From the policy perspective, the paper highlights the need for framing pro-poor water and sanitation policies; focusing on women and girls’ education; promoting affordable water and sanitation services; promoting collaboration of stakeholders involved in the rural water and sanitation sectors; and increasing budgetary allocations by local governments. HIGHLIGHTS The review compares the water and sanitation situation in India and Ghana. The urban–rural situation in the two countries is compared to ascertain the similarities and differences.; The review also compares the various reforms in the two countries in the water and sanitation sectors and the lessons learned.; Policy implications and recommendations have been made to enhance the achievement of SDG6 targets by 2030.;

The water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector requires large household investments and expenditure. Microfinance provides an alternative financing scheme to support in reaching universal access to WSS to improve public health and well-being. Using propensity score matching to Water.org's household survey data, combined with the Village Potential's village statistics, this study aims to evaluate the impact of microcredit devoted to improvements in water and sanitation facilities towards household welfare measured by the WSS Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) ladder status, income, and the share of health expenditure. Due to data availability limitations, the results indicated an associative relationship, as opposed to a causality relationship, between WSS microcredit participation and the respective outcomes. Participation in WSS microcredit was significantly associated with a higher JMP ladder for sanitation access but not with a JMP ladder for water access. Moreover, borrowers’ participation in WSS microcredit was associated with a significantly higher monthly income and a significantly lower proportion of health expenditure. Future evaluation studies of WSS microcredit should focus on improving data collection or conducting randomized control trials. For ensuring better practices, microfinance institutions (MFIs) should conduct stringent monitoring on fund usage to assure households benefit from the expected outcomes of WSS improvements. HIGHLIGHTS WSS borrowers were associated with a higher level of JMP ladder for sanitation access but not for water access.; WSS borrowers were also associated with a significantly higher monthly income and a significantly lower proportion of health expenditure.; Higher monthly household income is by IDR 233,180 (USD 15.55), whilst the proportion of health spending is significantly lower by 28%.; For better practices, MFIs should conduct stringent monitoring on the fund usage to assure households benefit from WSS improvements.;

This paper focuses on evaluating and benchmarking the governance of regulatory agencies in Brazil's water and sanitation sector. Using a unique database obtained through the application of a questionnaire, we developed an index of regulatory governance and ranked all the agencies in Brazil that participated in the study. The index is an aggregate number of the evaluation of four key governance characteristics: Autonomy, Transparency, Accountability, and Tools & Capacity, including not only formal aspects of regulation but also indicators related to actual implementation. Based on 18 different indices, we analyze the positions of agencies with regard to different aspects of their regulatory governance, considering not only performance in each variable but also scores in the different components of each category. This evaluation identifies particular agency shortcomings regarding governance and indicates needed improvements. Although Brazil has strived to consolidate the governance design of its regulatory agencies, implementing the independent regulator model still faces several challenges. Various aspects of governance can be improved to pursue greater efficiency and quality in providing services, particularly in Accountability and Political Autonomy, where the country shows the largest number of regulatory agencies with the lowest scores. Conversely, almost half of the participating agencies show optimal scores in the Regulatory Autonomy aspect of governance. The results, for the most part, corroborate the institutional theory, in which the role of institutions is paramount for greater efficiency in providing public services, as it reduces information asymmetries and transaction costs and maximizes economic incentives. • An index of regulatory governance and rank all the Brazilian regulatory agencies was developed. • The index aggregates four key governance characteristics: Autonomy, Transparency, Regulatory Tools, and Accountability. • The evaluation allows for the identification of agency shortcomings regarding governance and indicates needed improvements. • Accountability and Political Autonomy are particular aspects of governance that need some care. • The results corroborate the institutional theory, in which the role of institutions is paramount for greater efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]