"Village Water Supply: Economics and Policy in the Developing World," 1976

Document of the Month

Use of an old well, Yako area, Upper Volta, 1974

About the Publication

The result of this study was the research paper “Village Water Supply: Economics and Policy in the Developing World,” written by Robert J. Sounders and Jeremy J. Warford of the Bank’s Energy, Water and Telecommunications Department.

The purpose of this paper was to describe and raise awareness of the extent and nature of the problem as well as provide some suggestions for dealing with it. The authors explored the following topics in detail:

- the character and magnitude of the problems connected with water supply and sanitation;

- the relation between water supply and water-borne disease, and also social and economic activity;

Document of the Month

Use of an artesian well, Koupela area, Upper Volta, 1974

- the effects of improved water supply and sanitation on productivity, incomes, rural-to-urban migration, and overall development;

- problems of water supply program planning, administration, operation and maintenance;

- and the importance of recovering program costs.

World Water Forum 2006

The Fourth World Water Forum “Local Actions for Global Challenge” will take place in Mexico City on March 16-22, 2006. The Forum is a six day event, which will be followed by a Ministerial Conference. Each day will be dedicated to one of the five topics:

- water for growth and development;

- implementing integrated water resources management;

- water supply and sanitation for all; water for food and the environment;

- and risk management.

Document of the Month

Well in Tayenda, Upper Volta, 1982

The Bank is supporting thematic and regional preparations for this Forum. Besides participating in international events on water supply and sanitation, the World Bank addresses the issues through the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector.

This sector focuses on supporting client countries in four areas:

- extending water supply and sanitation services to the urban poor;

- improving operator performance;

- increasing rural access to sustainable water supply and sanitation;

- and better managing the water resource base.

Document of the Month