Module 06: Defining PPP Objectives

6.2. What are the key steps to define PPP objectives?

All stakeholders should be given the opportunity to express what it is they see to be the PPP objective.

A. Formulate and agree a transparent process

Municipalities need to design a process for defining objectives that is transparent and inclusive. Objectives need to reflect the concerns of the municipality (as a supplier), civil society (as consumers and worker representatives) and the private sector (as providers) and the process will determine how well this is achieved. For example:

– Who will lead the process?

– What mechanisms will ensure meetings are not dominated by a few?

– How many meetings? Where, when and who will participate?

B. Hold stakeholder consultation and discussion forums

Set up a series of meetings and workshops to allow all stakeholders to express their objectives. This should include:

– consumers and users;

– community-based organisations;

– other representatives/leaders of the poor;

– non-government organisations;

– unions;

– chambers of commerce and other business groups;

– municipal staff;

– local politicians and decision-makers;

– private sector representatives; and

– interested parties at higher levels of government.

C. Set out the framework of objectives

◊ Present the full range of PPP objectives – a framework can be used to assemble the objectives of all the stakeholders [click to download Figure 6.1(pdf, 50kb)].

◊ Place the broadest objective at the top of this framework – the one that relates to the wider municipal goals of urban governance and urban poverty.

◊ Group the specific objectives into appropriate sub-divisions, such as:

– political objectives;

– financial objectives;

– economic objectives;

– social objectives;

– physical/environmental objectives; and

– institutional objectives.

D. Agree objectives and priorities

◊ Consider whether these objectives need to be prioritised.

◊ Agree objectives that relate specifically to the poor.

E. Clarify objectives with indicators

Some municipalities may wish to develop a simple objective statement to include indicators. They may wish to introduce a time frame to make the objectives tangible and realistic. Some may be short-term objectives, for example, to ensure all poor people have access to potable water within 3 years. Others may be long term, for example, to generate economic growth. Some municipalities may have the capacity and confidence to define more quantitative targets, for example, 70 per cent access to water-borne sanitation services; or a 50 per cent decrease in water-borne disease.

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