Does the Emergence of Private Actors in the Potable Water Market Reduce Inequalities and Improve Access? A Critical Analysis Based on a Case Study in Selected Municipalities of Benin

In Benin, population growth, rapid urbanization, and the effects of climate change exacerbate the challenge of supplying potable water. While many households aspire to access water from the public network, financial constraints make this difficult (Kèlomè et al., 2012). The conventional water supply model, primarily reliant on a single public operator, is increasingly inadequate to meet the growing demands of urban populations. Consequently, numerous small local private operators have emerged, providing water supply services in often informal settings (Marteau et al., 2010). This emergence highlights several critical issues: while these small private operators fill the gaps left by the public sector, their informal nature raises concerns about regulation, service quality, and supply sustainability. Although access to potable water has improved, reducing the water-fetching burden for women and children in 30% of the rural cases studied, the poorest populations appear to face greater financial strain. This is due to private operators’ profit-driven motives, which often prioritize financial gain over health and environmental considerations. A univariate descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate consumer perceptions, preferences, and satisfaction. Findings revealed that 63.10% of consumers rely on private operators to meet their daily potable water needs, while 52% of local producers lack a water safety plan. This study advocates for an innovative management model that aligns with achieving SDG 6, emphasizing both quality and equity in water provision.