Opinion
Starting in 2010, this new section in Source features contributions from regular and guest columnists who present their views on developments in the water and sanitation sector.
The following people have agreed to write a regular column, either once a month or once every three months: Mike Muller, Teun Bastemeijer, Duncan Mara, and S. Vishwanath.
Is the water sector sexy enough?
15 Jul 11
The Guardian the other day posted an article, which claimed that water and sanitation projects are not sexy enough and that donors therefore are not willing to invest in them. Donors apparently prefer to invest in schools or clinics, rather than in "unsexy" water projects. Rather than getting sexed up, the water sector should be a bit careful in what it is asking for, as more money is not necessarily the solution to the problem, and may even reinforce donor dependency.
Let’s take IWRM back to basics at Rio in 2012
11 May 11
The world has changed over the past decade, and the change finally appears to be reaching the water sector. Countries such as China, Brazil and South Africa were able to ignore international policy prescriptions. But poorer countries, dependent on donors and their multilateral development bank partners, were told what to do – and many are still the poorer for it.
Sanitation: what are the problems?
16 Feb 11
Why are so many developing countries doing so badly in providing all their citizens with good sanitation, asks Prof. Duncan Mara, University of Leeds? The technical solutions and finances are available, but aid agencies need to focus more on technical training and technical assistance.
Don't let disputes over data get in the way of sanitation and safe water for billions
07 Jun 10
Sanitation for all is an achievable goal. But we can't risk distractions that might cause us to lose political will, says Jon Lane.
Climate change adaptation: murky waters of political capture and collusion
18 Mar 10
Climate change is at risk of becoming a market and a sector with new opportunities for political capture, and for misuse of influence in directing investments to serve the interest of the few. Adaptation measures to cope with climate change might end up being largely ineffective due to corrupt practices if integrity, accountability and transparency are not put on the top of the climate change agenda.
How to use management consultants: McKinsey on the world’s water futures
22 Feb 10
The recent McKinsey report “Charting our Water Future” should cause the global water community – if such exists – to consider why it was thought necessary to bring self-confessed outsiders in to explain what is going on in our world.
