Recent studies highlight the importance of leadership and vision

Two recent studies from the group have pointed at the importance of good leadership and common visions for successfully implementation of new water and wastewater systems.

A theory-building case-study of community-based water and wastewater systems in Cochabamba, Bolivia identified four prerequisites for success: leadership, agreed vision, collective action and management. The study builds a framework of prerequisites and enabling factors that may be used by policy makers and development practitioners to strengthen community management and support community-based organisations in providing water and sanitation services.

Importance of internal factors for community-managed water and wastewater systems in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Another study studied the decision-making processes in Helsingborg and Stockholm in order to understand why Helsingborg has succeeded in implementing an innovative source-separating wastewater systems while Stockholm has not (yet). This study found that the Helsingborg case fulfilled critical functions such as common vision, leadership, cross-sectoral cooperation, and an innovative approach both within the utility and in the city administration in Helsingborg. While In Stockholm there was a lack of common vision and of cross-sectoral cooperation and leadership. Comparison of the stalled source-separation policy in Stockholm with a successfully implemented environmental policy in a related field found a key criteria to be the presence of inspired individuals in positions where they had the mandate as well as the ability to create a common vision for change.

Investments in innovative urban sanitation – Decision-making processes in Sweden

Contact: Jennifer McConville

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