水表與鄉村發展 - 以貝里斯之鄉村水資源系統為例

Abstract

伯利兹政府及其他涉及鄉村供水服務的相關利益相關方，積極推動在鄉村水系中實施計量器，以改善其財務可持續性和管理。雖然一般認為計量可以基於消耗度量指標改善收入的收取，但少有研究探討了在鄉村水系（RWS）中計量的影響，以及它對鄉村地區的村莊水委員會等鄉村供水服務提供者的收入生成、支出和水資源保護的影響。本研究旨在調查計量對伯利茲鄉村水系的財務可持續性和水資源保護的影響。

本研究發現，計量水系的整體收入和每個消費者連接的收入均高於未計量的系統。安裝計量器被認為是村莊水委員會旨在增強其收入生成能力的可行策略。此外，發現計量與更高的付款率和減少的用水量呈正相關。然而，我們的研究顯示，計量系統的支出明顯高於未計量的系統。雖然不顯著，但計量系統的平均淨利潤率低於未計量的系統。這主要歸因於計量水系所產生的更高支出。對於在伯利茲參與鄉村供水服務的所有利益相關方來說，探索有效減少鄉村水系支出並提高收入的措施至關重要。這對於確保他們持續提供服務和實現財務可持續性至關重要。

關鍵詞：鄉村水系、收入、支出、水使用量

The government of Belize and other relevant stakeholders involved in rural water supply services have been actively promoting the implementation of meters in rural water systems to improve their financial sustainability and management. While it is generally understood that metering improves revenue collection based on consumption-based metric, few studies have investigated the extent that metering in rural water systems (RWS) impacts revenue generation, expenses and water conservation for rural water supply service providers such as village water boards in rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the impact of meters on RWSs’ financial sustainability and water conservation in Belize.

This study finds that metered water systems generate higher revenues overall and per consumer connection compared to unmetered systems. The installation of meters is recognized as a viable strategy for village water boards aiming to enhance their revenue generation capabilities. In addition, metering was found to be positively associated with higher payment rates and reduced water consumption. However, our research reveals that metered systems incur significantly higher expenses compared to unmetered systems. Though not significant, metered systems had lower average net profit margin compared to unmetered systems. This can be attributed mainly to the higher expenses incurred by metered water systems. It is crucial for all stakeholders engaged in rural water supply services in Belize to explore effective measures that reduce the expenses of RWSs and enhance revenue collection. This is vital to guarantee their continued delivery of service and financial sustainability. Key words: rural water systems, revenue, expenses, water usage