Determinants in implementing a public policy for an essential volume of free water in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia

Résumé 0

"Within the framework for the realiza - tion of the human right to water and sanitation, States have the obligation to implement programs and public policies that satisfy the basic needs of their population, especially its most vulnerable demographics. In Colombia, this challenge has been addressed through policies that provide a de - termined essential amount of free water to people whose access to water and sanitation services are limited due to low income. Through a review of legal and technical documents as well as relevant literature, this article presents an analysis of the particular determinants involved in implement - ing this program in Bogotá and Medellín, as well as some related concerns. Among such factors, we discuss the evolution and changes of the tar - iff model used in service provision, estimates of basic consumption, the role of social movements and collective action, and user disconnection due to non-payment. The main particularities and differences of each case highlighted the incon - veniences related to the method of identifying eli - gible users and applying assistance to beneficiary user groups, and the need for national guidelines in implementing this policy ."