Abstract
This study aims to examine the scope of implementation of public private partnerships (PPPs) in urban water infrastructure in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research approach was used, and a triangulation of methods was applied in terms of the data collection and analysis to the recommendations of the study. The findings revealed that urban councils have failed to re-engineer and revamp the water systems to meet increasing water demands. Also, local authorities lack the capacity required to revamp the water infrastructure for improved service delivery. Findings indicate that the adoption of PPPs in Zimbabwe’s water sector can improve the urban water infrastructure. However, there is an absence of readiness to embrace PPP in Zimbabwe. Some of the reasons are lack of technical skills and expertise; lack of coordination among the government departments responsible for water infrastructure; accountability fragility; to state a few. To improve the situation, the thesis proposes a sequential PPP model that hinges on three cardinal pillars, namely an environment conducive to operating PPPs, proper PPP planning and meticulous PPP implementation for improved urban water infrastructure.
Key words: public private partnerships, qualitative research, service delivery, urban water infrastructure, water, Zimbabwe.