Delivery through innovation: CSIR research on water services infrastructure operation through franchising

Abstract

There is a great need for institutional innovations aimed at improving access to basic water services in South Africa, and sustaining that improvement. In support of effective delivery, the CSIR, with the support of the Water Research Commission, has undertaken extensive research into an alternative service institutional concept, viz. water services infrastructure operation through franchising. This concept could be developed and made available to emerging entrepreneurs as the basis of a viable business. The franchising would be in respect of components of the water services operation value chain that are suitable for small business in that they can be readily systematised. The poster sets out how water services operation through franchising would work and how it would complement existing water services institutions