Sustainable service provision for the urban poor

The regular appearance of epidemics in African cities like cholera reminds us that despite efforts and important changes put into the sector during the last 20 years, huge problems still persist. The rate of water related illnesses has not significantly declined. The reason is without doubt the continuing low attention given to problems of the poor and low-income groups during restructuring processes. Unfortunately, when the focus shifts to commercial viability, the widely proclaimed commitment to water and adequate sanitation for everyone, as a basic human right, seems to be ignored.