Should Asia's Urban Poor Pay for Water?

Abstract

There’s no question that Asia’s urban poor need water – and water that is just as clean, reliable and affordable as what the better off already receive. Getting the urban poor connected to piped water sources and sanitation services, however, requires heavy investments that are simply beyond the current fiscal capabilities of many utilities. Governments have sometimes involved private water corporations as well as initiated their own innovative schemes in order to get the poor connected. Whether it is a public or private service provider that connects the poor, one question is pressing the water agenda: Who will pay the bill? Should Asia’s urban poor pay for water service?