To many millions of the urban and rural poor small scale operators who sell water (and occasionally provide sanitation) are a vital service. The role of these small operators, many of them in the informal private sector, has gained increased attention in recent times, with more policy-makers realising the valuable link to otherwise unserved communities.
Dealing with cross-sector partnerships that bring water and sanitation to the poor, BPD is very interested in findings and improving ways to work through these individuals and small enterprises in order to better the services that poor communities receive.
Accordingly BPD has created this portal to promote a wider understanding of the role and potential of such small providers. In doing so will soon share widely the work of other individuals and organisations who have shown an interest and enthusiasm for the topic.
Further information coming in early 2007.