Willingness-to-pay Studies

The main objective of a willingness-to-pay study is to find out people´s willingness and ability to pay for different service-levels within the water and sanitation sectors.
The purpose of the study is to identify the true demand for affordable and socially acceptable services. The objective therefore, is to establish a planning foundation for the implementation of sustainable services in the future.

We think it is important to actively involve the beneficiaries in deciding not only the type of technology they would like to have and can afford, but also the technology that satisfies their perceptions toward improvements in their environment.

A background study is needed

A background study is needed when designing the questionnaire so as to make sure that the questions are relevant and appropriate.
For selection of study areas, random samplings are used. Within the different areas, random samplings are used for household selection

A demand-driven approach

The object is to establish the basis for a self sustaining development based on the demand driven approach. That means that the consumers should be presented with a choice of service levels based on what they are willing to pay. It also assumes that in the long run, the consumers will have to meet the full costs of operation and maintenance as well as costs associated with replacement for equipment and all extension and upgrading to the facilities.

Willingness-to-pay Surveys:

• Lillesand and Birkenes (Norway), Refuse
• Lagos city (1997+2000), Water supply, sanitation, refuse
• 37 Small Towns, Water and Sanitation, Nigeria
• Lagos city, urban transport,
• Lagos City, 9 slum areas
• Belgrade, Solid Waste, slum areas

AN EXCITING TOOL
FOR DECISION MAKING