Benin Rural Water Supply Universal Access Program

The objective of Rural Water Supply Universal Access Program Project for Benin is to increase access to water supply services and to strengthen service delivery arrangements in selected rural areas. The Program is structured around two result areas. Firstly, the Program will support investments in piped rural water supply systems to rapidly expand access to support the Government of Benin (GoB) achieve its ambitious targets for the sector. Secondly, the program will strengthen service delivery arrangements through comprehensive reforms of the rural water supply sector, based on the following principles: (i) delegation of provision of rural water supply services to the Rural Water Supply National Agency (ANAEPMR) as the asset-holding company for the development of rural water supply systems, and the establishment of accountability mechanisms between the ANAEPMR, the GoB, municipalities and citizens; (ii) delegation of service delivery to private operators through regional performance-based contracts with the aim to improve the quality and sustainability of the expanded water supply systems; and (iii) development and approval of appropriate tariff policy and regulation arrangements to contribute to sector financial sustainability.