The presence of an independent regulator is broadly accepted both in Southern Africa and internationally as constituting best practice. Some countries such as Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, have had an independent regulator in place for a number of years already. The terms of reference of the study gave an overall objective as follows: “To present empirical evidence of the establishment and track record of regulatory authorities in the region, identify and make comprehensive analysis and come up with realistic strategic recommendations to countries that are on the path to operationalizing or considering establishing a regulatory regime. The study will also inform those regulators who are part of the case study on how they can build on their strengths and address their shortcomings in regulation.”

WAI was responsible for compilation of an Inception Report providing background information on the water sector in each of the three countries under study and the plan of how the study would be implemented.

Questionnaires to be used in interviews were drafted and a significant literature search undertaken on the water and sanitation sectors in each of the three countries.

Visits to each of the three countries – a week spent in each of Mozambique and Tanzania and two weeks in Zambia. During these visits, interviews were conducted with a broad range of stakeholders including government institutions, the private sector, NGOs, ICPs and with staff of the regulators. Further information was gathered on the functioning on the water and sanitation sectors in each of the countries and the work of the regulators.

Following this, information gathered during the interviews and the literature search was analysed and a report on each country was drafted. The final Study Report was drafted and submitted to the client incorporating a synthesis of the results from the three countries. It will be used in due course as an information and discussion platform at a meeting of government officials from all Southern African countries.

Client: African Development Bank
Duration: July 2013 to February 2014
Value: USD64 000
Country: Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique