AWWA ACE54286

The water and sanitation sector experienced a significant transformation during the 1990s, especially in Latin America. Key elements of this transformation were the separation of the institutional responsibilities for sector strategy, regulation andservice provision, and the participation of the private sector in the provision of services. The overall outcome can be rated aspositive for the sector. Coverage expanded at a higher pace than before and quality and efficiency in the provision of waterservices improved. In spite of those achievements, mainly a consequence of PSP, there are some concerns regarding bidding competitiveness and sustainability of concession contracts due to the significant number of renegotiations. This paper reviews what prompted the sector transformation and draws a few lessons from the experience gained during this active decade. Some of these lessons have already been applied and others remain as the unfinished agenda and challenges for the future. Includes figures.