Water access in global South cities: The challenges of intermittency and affordability

The article analyzes water access in cities the global South. We examine two challenges to from perspective of households: intermittent services and affordability. primary secondary data 15 one corresponding informal or low-income settlement each city sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America. In 12 out analyzed, households connected municipal piped system received intermittently, which compromises quality. settlements studied, seven receive less than 17 hours a week. Households that lack publicly provided obtain alternative sources can cost up 52 times as much. three cities, Cochabamba, Kampala, Mzuzu, basic supplies appear unaffordable with average income. Our analysis points need for utilities work together extend public networks, address services, ensure adequate are affordable. Looking forward it will be increasingly difficult keep pace growing demand water, hence urgency change our collective ethos about improve modalities provision now.