This book examines the challenge of reform of the urban water supply sector in developing countries, based on case studies of state-owned water companies in Ghana, India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The growing public private partnership for urban water supply is analyzed, focussing on the concession contract model. The implications for meeting the water needs of the urban poor, for the regulatory role of the state and for state capacity building are also discussed.

The result of a review of the literature on infrastructure design for urban low-income housing. Covers infrastructure planning; site preparation; drainage; roads and access; water supply; power supply; sanitation; solid waste management.

Safe disposal of excreta is of fundamental importance, not only for the health of the community, but also because of the social and environmental benefits it brings. However, for many low-income communities, particularly in developing countries, installation of a sewerage system is not always a feasible option. For such communities, on-site disposal u dealing with excreta where they are deposited u offers a hygienic and affordable solution. This book provides in-depth technical information about the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the major types of on-site sanitation...