Experiences of community-based water supply organizations partnerships in rural areas of Colombia

Abstract

Clean water for human consumption in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean is usually provided by community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOs). Collaborative partnerships with community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOPs) are established to tackle technical and institutional challenges concerning safe water supply. This article analyses some features of the CBWSOs and their partnerships, based on the experience of ACUANARIÑO and ASDAL – Tres Esquinas, two CBWSOs located in Valle del Cauca – Colombia, following their participation at the local, municipal (ASOOCSAS Tuluá), subnational (Asociación de Organizaciones Comunitarias Prestadoras de Servicios Públicos de Agua y Saneamiento de Colombia (AQUACOL)), national (COCSASCOL), and transnational levels (CLOCSAS). The main findings of this work, after using a participatory approach, are that initial partnerships between CBWSOs emerge from informal agreements built on the neighbourhood logic typical of rurality; however, as moving towards higher scales, agreements become more formal to allow for dialogue and discussion with governmental organizations in the water and sanitation sector. This is also a strategy for the recognition of community water management. Thus, CBWSOPs are construed under a collaborative and non-profit approach, in the manner of water operator partnerships.