Open AccessPrivatizing Public Irrigation Tubewells in Pakistan: An Appraisal of Alternatives
Author(s) -
Muhammad Anwar Chaudhry,
Robert H. Young
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
pakistan development review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.154
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 0030-9729
DOI - 10.30541/v29i1pp.33-58
Subject(s) - waterlogging (archaeology) , government (linguistics) , business , natural resource economics , trenchless technology , agriculture , subsidy , equity (law) , water resource management , agricultural economics , private sector , economics , environmental science , economic growth , geography , environmental engineering , political science , ecology , market economy , philosophy , wetland , linguistics , archaeology , law , pipeline transport , biology
As part of its broader groundwater privatization programme,the Government of Pakistan is seeking to transfer to the private sectorthe management, operation, and maintenance functions of the system ofpublic tubewel1s (called "SCARPs") which were installed to controlwaterlogging and salinity. This paper presents a micro level analysis ofalternative privatization strategies. linear programming models ofrepresentative farms in SCARP I area of Punjab Province were developedto explore the efficiency and equity implications of various transitionoptio!'\S. Net benefits of supplemental water available from SCARPtubewel1s were estimated at about Rs 800 per acre, which are about threetimes higher than the existing level of O&M expenditure. Evenwithout considering the}ong-term benefits of waterlogging control, thisresult implies that the SCARP programme has a high social rate ofreturn. For particular SCARP tubewells which are uneconomical to repairand operate, replacing these tubewells with farmer-owned small tubewellsappears likely to improve agricultural productivity and reducegovernment outlays. Operable SCARP tubewells should be kept in serviceunless they are replacCd by equal or greater alternative pumpingcapacity in the private sector to prevent waterlogging. Ruralinstitutions should be strengthened to ensure efficient local levelgroundwater management.