Communication for water sector reform: obstacles & opportunities

This learning note is published by the Operational Communications Division in the World Bank’s External Affairs Vice Presidency. It aims to help task managers communicate with service providers as they prepare for an urban water supply reform project. The focus is on how strategic public communication programs can help governments and stakeholders improve the delivery and sustainability of water supply services. The note will also be helpful for government officials policy makers, utility managers, communication specialists, and NGOs who are navigating the social and political issues associated with water reform and who want to improve the commercial viability of the services. It does not prescribe solutions for how services should be delivered, but examines how integrating strategic communication programs into the broader reform agenda can help achieve better development results.