Evaluation of the Public Utilities Policy (PU Policy, OP-708) for Potable Water and Sanitation Services

This evaluation report (RE-270) discusses the IDB's strategy for addressing problems in the potable water and sanitation sector and the associated public utilities policy (OP-708), which in 1996 replaced the public utilities tariffs policy (OP-718) that had been in effect since 1982. This report evaluates the PU policy and its consistency with the Bank's objectives, particularly with the Eighth Replenishment. To conclude, the specific recommendations made in this document are: 1) Increase investment efforts in the sector, making PWSS a priority in Bank strategies; 2) Prepare operating guidelines for the application of the PU policy to the water and sanitation sector.