The opinions of health and water service users in Zimbabwe

In 1990, the Government of Zimbabwe, embarked on an Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) to reduce public sector spending and introduce organizational reforms and cost sharing in the provision of social services. As part of research into the nature and outcome of reforms in the health and water sectors, surveys were carried out to ascertain the opinions and experiences of low and middle-income health and water service users in some of Zimbabwe's urban residential areas. The opinions were elicited in fourteen focus group discussions in three urban areas (Harare, Bulawayo and Kariba) in late 1996. Local authorities continue to be the water undertakers in Zimbabwean urban areas and have traditionally pursued full cost recovery. Reforms have been very limited to date and the user surveys tested public reactions to continued public sector provision. The survey looked at water availability (rationing, cut-offs), water quality, and water charges and billing. Although participants in the group discussions suggested improvements, none of them were willing to pay more, as they considered the current charges too high. Most expressed a desire for the Councils to continue providing water, generally because they were thought to do a good job, but also because they were seen as more tolerant of arrears than the private sector, which was viewed as being primarily interested in making money.