Replacing failed private water contracts

Replacing failed private water contracts

This paper sets out a global overview of trends in the public and private presence in the water sector, to help assess the options facing cities which still have problematic private water contracts, such as Jakarta.  

The first section presents a general overview of the public-private mix; the status of the private companies, including the so-called ‘local’ companies; and the growth of public-public partnerships supporting municipally-run water services.

The next section examines the process of termination of private contracts around the world, and the negotiating positions and tactics used by companies and public authorities.

The final section examines the problems of the Jakarta contract, and the possible strategies for the city, in the light of global trends and experience.

• Replacing failed private water contracts