Cape Town, the city where “poo has become a politcial issue“, is hosting an international conference on “Putting Public in Public Services: Research, Action and Equity in the Global South” from 13-16 April 2014 .

Organised by the Municipal Services Project, the conference brings together researchers, activists, labour representatives, development practitioners and policy makers from around the world working to promote progressive public services, including water and sanitation.

The following presentations focus specifically on sanitation:

Dieter Wartchow (Brazil) – National sanitation laws in Brazil: An opportunity lost?

Melanie Samson (South Africa) – Including the informal, transforming the public: Insights from innovations in the waste sector

Federico Parra (Colombia) – Recognition of the ‘recicladores’ as public managers of waste in Colombia

Poornima Chikarmane (India) – Of users, providers and the state: Solid waste management in Pune, India

Mary Galvin (South Africa) – Dealing with shit in sub-Sahara Africa: The impact of “new” approaches to sanitation on human rights

Julieta del Valle (Argentina) – Guaranteeing access to public water and sanitation: ‘Acompañamiento social’ in Buenos Aires

Registration is free for observers but priority wil be given to people with a demonstrated interest in conference themes.

Registration deadline: 14 March 2014

Those unable to attend can follow debates via video streaming, podcasts and social media.
Conference website: municipalservicesproject.org/about-conference