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The Affordability of Water in an African Town
Author(s) -
Morris N. G.,
ParryJones S. A.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.1999.tb00998.x
Subject(s) - environmental planning , water resource management , environmental science , business , environmental engineering , environmental protection
This paper examines (a) the ability of consumers in a typical medium‐sized African town to pay for a piped water supply, and (b) the implications for the financial viability of the local water undertaking. It demonstrates that, at present, people are paying about 10% of their income for water, and this appears to be near their limit of affordability. However, it is shown that it is possible for the water company to improve its revenue, whilst maintaining its present tariffs, by providing more private connections. Furthermore, the aim of improving water‐company revenues is compatible with providing improved services to its urban customers.