O&M of services infrastructure by social franchising partnerships

Abstract

South African research finds that social franchising partnerships could address many challenges in the operation and maintenance of water services infrastructure. Franchising trains those on-site, and also provides backup off-site skills. The concept is being piloted with considerable success in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Under the guidance and mentorship of a franchisor, trainee franchisees are taking care of the routine maintenance of the sanitation facilities at several hundred schools. Municipalities in the region have also taken interest, and are taking the first steps to adopt the concept where appropriate.