Scaling up small scale wastewater treatment systems in low- and middle-income countries: An analysis of challenges and ways forward through the case of Egypt. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reymond, Philippe; Abdel Wahaab, Rifaat; Moussa, Moustafa Samir; Lüthi, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 52(2018)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Decentralised wastewater treatment -- Enabling environment -- Institutional change; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2018.03.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: Small scale wastewater treatment systems are a cost-effective and pragmatic alternative to large centralised systems in many contexts. However, despite the huge potential, very few low- and middle-income countries managed to scale-up such systems. This paper explores the barriers in the case of Egypt and provides recommendations to utilities and governments on how to create an enabling environment to do so. The main barriers are institutional. Utilities need to put into place drivers of change: think at scale, reach economies of scale both in terms of management and implementation, adapt the effluent standards and engage the private sector and civil society. Highlights: The barriers to scale up small scale systems are rather institutional than technical. Economies of scale at management and implementation level are crucial. Decentralised sanitation systems should be partly centrally managed. A critical mass of projects will allow the necessary economies of scale. Utilities can build on the capacities of the private sector and civil society.