Abstract

Water is big business. Governments around the world are looking towards private sector to deploy its management and financial capacities to this sector. Despite its prominence in recent debates and policies in the water sector, increasing private sector participation has achieved neither the scale nor the benefits anticipated. Recognition of water as a human right has given a new dimension to this sector. Public scrutiny of corrupt practices in the water sector is increasing. The potential market is huge but the challenges are complex. While water business is consolidating and growing, water companies seem to be unprepared for new challenges.

Key words: Water, business, privatisation.