Public-private Partnership for Improved Urban Water Infrastructure in Africa: A Policy Perspective

Description

Page: 533-537

D.M. Coneluis A. Mamohe (Department of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

This paper investigates the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in enhancing urban water infrastructure in three municipalities: Maanshan City in China, Cairo in Egypt, and Tshwane in South Africa. The paper highlights each municipality’s specific challenges through case studies, such as inadequate water supply, infrastructure decay, and financial constraints. It examines the successful PPP models implemented in Maanshan and Cairo, emphasising the importance of private sector involvement in financing and technology transfer. In contrast, the analysis of Tshwane reveals the need for structured planning and management to achieve effective partnerships. The findings suggest that South African municipalities can learn valuable lessons from these case studies, particularly regarding the necessity of strong governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and the alignment of water tariffs with investor interests. Overall, the paper underscores the potential of PPPs to improve urban water services and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing water infrastructure management in similar contexts.