The value and price of water (The women of Lutsheko)

The recommendations in the World Water Vision for full cost pricing fail to comprehend the reality of deep poverty. For the very poor, particularly in rural areas, systems that provide subsidies simply to be paid back in water charges are neither appropriate nor workable. Nor does charging for water that supplies people's basic needs have a significant impact (when compared to large users in agriculture, industry etc) on resources management. The related issue of private sector involvement is also shown to need care and caution to achieve successful results.