Facilitating factors for community-managed wastewater systems in the Kanata metropolitan region, Bolivia
Journal article, 2021

Provision of safe sanitation services is a major challenge in low and middle-income countries where adequate wastewater management is almost entirely lacking or insufficient. Community-managed wastewater systems are increasingly seen as part of the solution to this challenge. There is, however, a lack of in-depth understanding regarding how these communal systems are affected by external factors. Through a qualitative case study of the wastewater sector of the Kanata metropolitan region, Bolivia, this paper aims to contribute to filling this knowledge gap. A variety of data collection and analysis procedures resulted in two main outcomes. First, a shared common vision regarding the development of the wastewater sector and the role of community actors was highlighted as crucial for strengthening communal wastewater management. Secondly, facilitating factors that promote community-managed wastewater services were identified, i.e. financing possibilities, technical support, legal support, formal and informal networks, continuous dialogue, trust, compatibililty with local institutions, control of territory and availability of contractors and builders. The results provide guidance for both policymakers and development practitioners that aim to strengthen community-managed wastewater systems, as well as contribute to increased theoretical understanding.

Acceptance

Common vision

SDG 6

CBOs

Community management

External factors

Sanitation

Author

Ida Helgegren

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Water Environment Technology

Francesca Minelli

University of Glasgow

Jennifer R Mc Conville

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Graciela Landaeta

PROCASHA Foundation

Sebastien Rauch

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Water Environment Technology

Sustainable Cities and Society

2210-6707 (ISSN)

Vol. 75 103302

Subject Categories

Other Environmental Engineering

Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified

Energy Systems

DOI

10.1016/j.scs.2021.103302

More information

Latest update

9/27/2021