What is a Water Sector Framework?
Every water utility exists within a national water framework and has a role to play in that framework.
A water sector framework includes organizations that play various roles that may include:
± Ministry of Water Resources
± National Planning Agency
± Regulator
± Local government
(as the responsible authority for the provision of water services)
± Water and wastewater service providers
(who normally act on behalf of the responsible authority)
The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture may also play roles.
The framework considers the ways in which these agencies work together to ensure that the public is well provided with the water and wastewater services that are so essential to public health, safety, environmental protection and economic prosperity.
Usually, legislation is enacted to give authority to the agencies to play their roles. A good Water Sector Framework ensures that responsibilities are assigned so that the country’s water sector functions well; it takes advantage of development opportunities and meets its strategic objectives.
It is important to understand the building blocks of a sound Water Sector Framework:
- National Policy
- Development Strategy including targeted and prioritized investment plans
- Legal Framework including enabling legislation
- Regulatory Regime
- Sector Organization