The Group of Senior Officials on Urban Water Sector Reform in the NIS was established in 2001. It brings together EECCA, OECD and CEE water officials, IFIs, private sector and NGOs. The main objective of the Group is to promote political support to reform and to guide the elaboration of practical approaches for implementation of the Almaty Guiding Principles in view of achieving the millennium development goals on water supply and sanitation. Its work focuses on the following areas:

Legal and institutional frameworks in EECCA pose obstacles to crucial reforms. This component seeks to promote reforms in key areas, such as commercialisation of water utilities, and the facilitation of external financial flows. For this purpose recommendations based upon sound analysis are being developed and practical tools for implementation of reforms are being prepared for considerations by relevant EECCA authorities.

Promoting financial reforms in the water supply and sanitation sector and mananging their social implications.  It is essential to ensure the long-term financial viability of water utilities, while ensuring that water services remain affordable for the poor. The EAP Task Force helps to develop and implement better practices for the financial management of utilities, as well as new policies and procedures for setting water tariffs that reflect financial.

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