Balancing financial viability and user affordability report cover

This Topic Brief presents assessments of the financial performance of six WSUP-supported WASH service delivery models in Bangladesh, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zambia.

Each model has been developed in partnership with locally mandated service providers to facilitate sustainable, at-scale improvements to low-income urban populations.

Locating the appropriate balance between financial viability and user affordability is at the core of WSUP’s programmatic activities. The approach is characterised by a number of important nuances specific to the contexts in which WSUP and partner institutions operate:

  • Long-term cost recovery is the goal
  • Urban sanitation service provision is uniquely challenging: ongoing public investment is typically required
  • Eventual uptake of new models is determined by the wider enabling environment