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Download fileRegulation of the urban water supply sector in the Lao PDR
conference contribution
posted on 12.02.2018, 15:08 by Noupheuak Virabouth, Keith BurwellUrban water supply in the Lao PDR was initially provided through a single national utility. This was decentralised in 1999
into 18 provincial utilities and the creation of the Water Supply Authority (WASA) as the sector regulator. Initially, the
concepts of regulation were not fully understood and extensive consulting support was necessary, provided by Interconsult
International (Norway), funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD). Although slow to get started, WASA
has developed into an effective regulatory institution employing comparative competition, especially the publication of the
WASA Annual Water Sector Performance Reports, as its primary driver for improved performance. Tariff determinations, the
single most important function of WASA, required the development of other regulatory tools such as a Tariff Policy, Regulatory
Accounting Guidelines and Tariff Determination Methodologies. Although WASA is a regional leader in water supply
regulation it will still continue to develop its expertise to ensure a sustainable and affordable water supply for all.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
- Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)