![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
Abstract
What makes urban water system reform a success in some places, but a failure in others? Is there a fixed formula for success? This paper does not pretend to have the answers to the above questions. Through a focused study of the urban water system management experiences of Santiago, Chile, between 1990 and 1998 and that of Singapore, and by drawing parallels between the two, this paper attempts to identify, despite the different historical, political, social and economic context, some common factors behind their successful urban water system reform.
Notes
1. ‘Potential clients’ excluded the households in informal settlements without connection to the water/sewerage networks, and the poor communities located just beyond its concession boundary.
2. Chile ranked 23rd out of 180 countries in a 2008 Corruption Perception Index table compiled by Transparency International (2008).
3. Some leakages of such a subsidy to some of the better-off is inevitable. This is a result of Singapore's housing policy, whereby one can still find well-to-do households staying in government flats. Some of these were originally lower-income group when they purchased the subsidised housing, but subsequently progressed to levels of higher income.