MAINTENANCE IS POLITICAL – THE INVISIBLE WAR FOR
WATER RELIABILITY
Executive Summary
The article argues that maintenance,
often overlooked in favour of capital expenditure (CapEx), is a political and
economic fault line in global water infrastructure systems. Neglected
maintenance—an essential component of operational expenditure (OpEx)—leads to
systemic failures, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities,
increasing public health risks, and eroding public trust. Through global case
studies and policy critique, the article shows that maintenance is not just a
technical necessity but a matter of justice, governance, and equity. It
proposes a shift in political incentives and funding models to embed OpEx into
infrastructure strategies. Drawing on examples from Flint, São Paulo, and
beyond, the article provides actionable recommendations for governments,
donors, and utility managers to ensure water system reliability through
regulatory reform, transparency, and community empowerment.
1
Introduction: The Politics of Neglect
In the discourse surrounding
water resource management, the significance of maintenance as a critical factor
for operational efficiency often becomes obscured by the allure of new
infrastructure projects. The article posits that maintenance, a crucial aspect
of Operational Expenditure (OpEx), is systematically neglected due to
prevailing political incentives, budgetary frameworks, and institutional
inertia that plague many water systems. As López et al. highlight, water
sustainability in growing cities depends significantly on innovative
operational strategies that account for both centralised control and
community-driven resilience initiatives (López et al., 2021). However, the
prioritisation of sweeping capital investments (CapEx)—such as the construction
of large dams or expansive sewage systems—supersedes the subtler yet equally
vital maintenance tasks that ensure the operational reliability and quality of
existing water services.
The trend illustrates an
apparent tension between centralised decision-making and local adaptability, as
seen in varied experiments in creating resilient water systems across different
urban landscapes. The asymmetric visibility and immediate political rewards
offered by CapEx projects create a governance environment that devalues routine
maintenance and subsequently compromises the reliability of water services.
Such neglect not only impacts the physical infrastructure but also erodes
public trust, as stakeholders in marginalised and informal settlements often
bear the brunt of deteriorating service quality caused by ageing pipelines and
deferred maintenance efforts. It is crucial to acknowledge that these systemic
inequities manifest as health risks, underscoring the necessity for equitable
maintenance strategies that bridge service gaps for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, as evidenced
by the challenges faced by several cities in the U.S., specifically in regions
like Texas, widespread underfunding of maintenance is exacerbated by competing
interests that favour new infrastructure expenditures over the essential upkeep
of existing systems. Reports indicate that leaks from ageing mains can result
in millions of gallons of water loss daily, a stark reminder of the pressing
need for political will to shift funding priorities (Wyrwoll et al., 2022). The
financial discourse surrounding water management often highlights a misalignment,
wherein decision-makers are incentivised to focus on visible projects rather
than the invisible yet critical maintenance undertakings that underpin a
reliable water supply.
1.1
Centralised vs. Decentralised Systems
When engaging with the
dynamics of centralised and decentralised water management systems, the
challenges and benefits of each approach become apparent in their respective
impacts on maintenance prioritisation. Centralised systems, while often
benefiting from streamlined decision-making mechanisms, frequently undermine
local adaptations that are essential for maintenance responsiveness. As López
et al. contend, innovative management in urban environments necessitates a nuanced
understanding of both centralised governance frameworks and grassroots
engagement, which tends to focus on fostering local solutions like rainwater
harvesting and the implementation of small-scale treatment facilities (López et
al., 2021). Such community-led initiatives not only improve water security but
also empower residents, encouraging them to take an active role in sustaining
their water resources.
Conversely, decentralised
systems can enhance local accountability and adaptive capacity when
well-implemented. However, such systems are still susceptible to issues of
underfunding due to shifting political priorities that favour more visible
infrastructure projects. While decentralised governance may afford communities
greater flexibility in determining maintenance schedules and project
priorities, it also risks fragmentation, leading to unequal service delivery
unless systematic equity frameworks are firmly established. The interplay of
centralisation versus decentralisation highlights the ongoing challenge for
regulators and policy-makers in favouring sustainable and equitable solutions
that prioritise maintenance as a political act with far-reaching implications.
1.2
Equity Gaps
A critical outcome of the
neglect of maintenance in water systems is the pronounced equity gap that
manifests visibly in marginalised areas. The consequences of ageing
infrastructure, particularly in communities vulnerable to economic instability
and social inequities, are significant. Reports demonstrate that marginalised
populations experience a disproportionate burden from deteriorating water
service reliability, leading to heightened risks of boil-water advisories and
reduced public trust when contamination incidents arise. Issues of water
quality and service continuity become exacerbated in informal settlements and
areas with inadequate infrastructure resources, leading to health outcomes
correlated with both access to water services and socio-economic status
(Wyrwoll et al., 2022).
Current studies reviewing
water equity highlight that disparities in maintenance investment lead to
significant inequities in service provision. The phenomenon is not merely a
challenge of resource allocation but reflects broader societal issues related
to governance, political representation, and accountability. As Wyrwoll et al.
argue, societal power imbalances often manifest in inconsistent access to safe
drinking water, whereby the historical and ongoing impacts of colonial
practices continue to undermine water security for Indigenous communities and
other marginalised groups (Wyrwoll et al., 2022). These inequities underscore
the need for targeted interventions that establish maintenance as a fundamental
component of an equitable water management strategy.
Moreover, systemic analysis
reveals that unequal access and maintenance attention perpetuate cycles of
poverty and inequality, exacerbating health risks and limiting economic
opportunities for those in under-resourced neighbourhoods. Evidence suggests
that the cost of deferred maintenance ultimately hinders communities with
existing vulnerabilities, conditioning their overall socio-economic trajectory
to severe water security issues. As such, local and national governments must
reassess their funding priorities, ensuring that equity-driven maintenance programs
are implemented to rectify historical shortcomings in water service provision.
1.3
Ageing Infrastructure & Political Will
The challenge of ageing
infrastructure embodies not only a logistical hurdle but also a significant
political one, particularly evident in regions where water loss sometimes
amounts to millions of gallons per day due to leaks and shortcomings in
maintenance (Wyrwoll et al., 2022). In urban environments across the U.S.,
including cities in Texas, dialogues regarding budget allocations frequently
showcase intense debates over the prioritisation of flashy new capital projects
as opposed to the often invisible yet necessary investment in maintenance crews
and existing systems (Wyrwoll et al., 2022). Such conversations reveal a
political will shaped by the allure of new projects, which, while perhaps
yielding immediate political dividends, ultimately fail to address the pressing
issue of ageing infrastructure.
In truth, the imperative to
allocate resources to both new projects and maintenance reflective of ageing
infrastructure must be approached through a lens of long-term sustainability
and resilience. As discussions around funding continue to unfold, scholars
underscore the critical need for a balanced perspective that recognises the
interdependence of new infrastructure projects and robust maintenance efforts.
For stakeholders and political representatives alike, understanding the
implications of these decisions is essential for fostering a reliable and
resilient water supply. Such an approach necessitates a political commitment to
adequately fund maintenance and use public investment strategically, thus
reinforcing societal trust in water reliability as a foundational component of
community well-being.
Notable studies suggest that
financial frameworks must be reevaluated to promote a commitment to ongoing
maintenance, thus creating an environment where each community's unique needs
inform strategic resource allocation decisions. Political recalibration
presents an opportunity not simply to combat systemic underfunding but also to
galvanise support for a more equitable and reliable hydrological future—a
future wherein maintenance is recognised not merely as a mundane operational
task but as an explicit political act vital for sustaining the health and
security of communities.
In summary, the intersection
of maintenance, politics, and water reliability underscores a complex web of
governance, public trust, and systemic inequities embedded in the fabric of
water management. By navigating these challenges through a multifaceted approach
that recognises maintenance as a crucial component of broader political actions
and equity implications, stakeholders can work towards fostering sustainable,
reliable water systems that serve communities equitably.
2
Why
Maintenance Is Invisible but Vital
Maintenance plays a
fundamental role in ensuring that infrastructure not only exists but is durable
and functional over time. Routine tasks, such as cleaning filters,
recalibrating pumps, and repairing pipelines, serve to extend the lifecycle of
assets and guarantee safe, uninterrupted services. Despite its importance,
maintenance activities often remain in the background, overshadowed by the more
glamorous public ceremonies associated with new construction projects or
extensive upgrades. Phenomenon creates a disconnect in public perception, which
largely undervalues routine maintenance practices vital to service reliability
and sustainability.
2.1
Extending Asset Lifecycles
A primary aspect of
effective maintenance revolves around its crucial contribution to extending
asset lifecycles. Fundamental tasks like recalibrating pumps or conducting
routine cleanliness checks do not generate media attention or community
recognition, resulting in maintenance being viewed as mundane and unworthy of
investment. Nevertheless, research indicates that systematic maintenance
protocols significantly reduce system degradation and failure rates, thereby
prolonging the useful life of infrastructure (Kantartzis et al., 2021). For
instance, ongoing workforce training promotes a knowledgeable team adept at
tackling maintenance challenges, further emphasising the multifaceted nature of
maintenance as an essential strategy for sustainability.
The lack of public awareness
regarding the importance of these routine tasks could lead to detrimental
consequences, mainly when such neglect results in system failures that could
have been preemptively addressed. The infrastructure's functionality ultimately
rests upon these uncelebrated activities, and their absence can lead not only
to costly repairs but potentially catastrophic failures impacting community
health and safety (Popović et al., 2020). Well-maintained systems enhance
overall performance while also generating cost savings by delaying or negating
the need for costly replacements or extensive emergency repairs.
2.2
Regulatory Blind Spots
The phenomenon of regulatory
blind spots greatly exacerbates the underfunding of maintenance efforts. Often,
there are no minimum standard requirements mandating ongoing maintenance, which
allows utilities to neglect vital aspects of infrastructure without immediate
repercussions (Kantartzis et al., 2021). Consequently, utilities prioritise
capital expenditures for aesthetically pleasing new projects, furthering the
cycle of neglect while maintaining the status quo. The National Infrastructure
Committee indicates that chronic underfunding of routine maintenance elevates
risk exposure during environmental extremes, such as floods or droughts,
ultimately placing an undue burden on critical infrastructure (Kantartzis et
al., 2021).
The regulatory gap means that utilities face
no penalties for inadequate maintenance practices, contributing to
infrastructural failures that can have dire consequences for communities.
Without accountability measures in place to ensure that maintenance is prioritised
and funded adequately, the long-term viability of essential services remains in
jeopardy, risking public health and welfare. The disconnect between needed
maintenance and funding strategies speaks to a broader systemic issue within
infrastructure management, where political will tends to incentivise visible
developments over the essential, unseen tasks that ensure service longevity.
For instance, maintaining
water supply systems involves a range of challenges, from equipment degradation
to technological updates that are critical for efficiency but do not come with
the fanfare associated with new installations (Derder et al., 2023). The
cumulative effects of neglect are often felt most acutely during crises, where
the failure to act in maintaining infrastructure can lead to irreparable harm,
emphasising the need for a proactive approach toward resource allocation in
maintenance contexts.
2.3
The Consequences of Invisibility
The invisibility of
maintenance engenders structural vulnerabilities and challenges in achieving
public trust and effective governance. Those who are aware of the essential
tasks of maintenance may advocate for its recognition within broader policy
discussions, yet the challenge remains that most stakeholders perceive
maintenance as beneath the attention of higher budgetary discussions. As a
result, pressing issues relating to ageing infrastructure and the underlying
systems that support daily life can seamlessly fade from public consciousness
(Larumbe, 2021).
Moreover, during periods of
infrastructural distress—whether due to climate impacts, ageing materials, or
otherwise—the failures in maintenance reflect poor policy and budgetary
decisions rather than merely operational missteps. The pressure to showcase new
developments can push vital maintenance tasks further from the spotlight,
culminating in a scenario where investment strategies favour superficial
upgrades over essential upkeep. When systems eventually fail, they create a
cycle of backlash against utilities, which are left struggling with the damages
accrued from years of neglect.
A thorough examination of
seemingly minor maintenance tasks reveals a more profound truth: they form the
foundation of a functioning infrastructure ecosystem. Research highlights that
ongoing investment in maintenance is necessary not only to avert long-term
operational costs but also to reinforce the public's fundamental trust in utility
providers and the systems designed to protect community well-being (Richards et
al., 2011). By fostering an understanding of maintenance needs and the
potential dangers of neglect, stakeholders can help reshape the narrative
surrounding infrastructure investment to elevate maintenance in public
discourse.
2.4
Emphasising a Culture of Maintenance
Establishing a robust
culture of maintenance necessitates a shift in perspective that prioritises
long-term functionality over short-term visibility in project outcomes. By
engaging communities in dialogue around the importance of maintenance
practices, utilities and governments can cultivate an environment where
maintenance is seen as critical to institutional integrity. Initiatives that
elucidate the value of preventive measures can facilitate public discourse,
transforming views on maintenance from being seen as tedious to being recognised
as an invaluable cornerstone of responsible infrastructure governance.
Historically, the impacts of
neglecting maintenance have been emphasised in various contexts, from
collapsing bridges to failing water supply networks, illustrating the dire
consequences of sidelining essential upkeep. By prioritising a culture of
maintenance that incorporates proactive strategies and clear communication,
utilities and governmental bodies can establish frameworks that accommodate the
necessary operational and fiscal commitments to ensure infrastructure remains
safe, reliable, and efficient.
Encouragingly, advocacy
efforts directed towards articulating the importance of welfare and safety
reinforced through maintenance can yield promising results. Engaged communities
can foster collective ownership over local infrastructure, allowing for education
on the intricacies of maintenance tasks as essential service elements that
benefit everyone (Richards et al., 2011). Understanding the symbiotic
relationship between maintenance investments and the sustainable functioning of
critical infrastructure can lead to renewed political will that actively
prioritises these efforts in investment discussions and budget allocations.
In conclusion, maintenance,
while often overlooked, serves as a crucial backbone to the sustainability and
efficacy of our vital infrastructure. Through a concerted effort to rectify
perceptions and regulatory oversights surrounding maintenance, stakeholders can
begin to ensure not only the functionality of existing systems but also the
health and well-being of the populations they serve. A future where maintenance
is valued as an indispensable element of infrastructure management will
ultimately lead to improved service reliability and a stronger, more resilient
community infrastructure.
3
Political Cycles vs. System Cycles
The
infrastructure sector faces a dissonance between political timelines and the
lifecycles of the assets that provide essential public services. Politicians,
often operating within short electoral cycles of 4 to 5 years, are typically
incentivised to pursue capital expenditure (CapEx) projects—those that yield
immediate, visible updates for the electorate. These projects tend to garner
public attention and political capital, making new construction more appealing
than the daily management of maintenance activities, which often remains invisible,
mainly until catastrophic failures occur. The long-term nature of
infrastructure systems, which can encompass lifespans of 20 to 50 years,
necessitates sustained operational expenditure (OpEx) commitments, reflecting
the need for consistent and rigorous maintenance planning throughout an asset's
lifecycle.
The misalignment between these two
timelines presents significant challenges for operational planning,
particularly regarding how maintenance budgets are structured and prioritised.
Elected officials frequently prefer the immediate political rewards associated
with new projects, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies and visible
transformations within communities. Conversely, maintenance tasks—such as
repairing infrastructure, recalibrating systems, and implementing training
programs—occur without ceremony and often go unnoticed until a significant
issue arises. Incongruence leads to a recurring cycle of neglect within
infrastructure management, as funds allocated for maintenance are frequently
the first to be cut during budget resets, a practice detrimental to long-term
service reliability.
The first layer of the problem arises from
the fundamental incompatibility of political and infrastructure timelines,
where political terms incentivise short-term investments over long-term
commitments. These mismatched expectations create a funding environment where
maintenance spending is often perceived as an optional expense rather than a
critical operational necessity. Essentially, as political cycles reset every
four to five years, maintenance budgets become increasingly vulnerable to
budget cuts, undermining the resilience of systems that rely heavily on ongoing
upkeep for optimal performance and safety.
Recent analysis indicates that effective
infrastructure management necessitates the establishment of ongoing funding
mechanisms that transcend the limitations of the political cycle. Perspective
suggests that systemic incentives must shift to recognise the critical value of
maintenance as part of infrastructure viability, essential for public trust and
service reliability. One potential adjustment could involve providing local
governments with dedicated maintenance funding that is independent of short-term
political considerations, ensuring continuity in managing vital infrastructure.
Moreover, assessments of budget allocations
across various regions often reveal a distinct preference for large-scale
projects over routine operational investments. Trend has been reinforced by
historical precedent, which has favoured project-based funding at the expense
of durable maintenance provisions, thereby perpetuating a cycle where neglect
leads to emergency repairs that are both more costly and disruptive to the
public.
3.1
Budgetary incentives
play
a crucial role in determining the allocation of resources within the
infrastructure sector. Many capital grants and loans, particularly those from
multilateral banks, are structured to fund construction rather than ongoing
operations. Mechanism risks establishing "stranded assets," which
arise from investments that lack the necessary financing for workforce
development, maintenance, and spare parts inventories. For example, Texas has
faced critical challenges due to mismatches in infrastructure financing
projections and budgeting processes, leading to workforce shortages and
inefficiencies, thereby exacerbating systemic vulnerabilities in the state's
water management infrastructure.
The implications of the budgetary framework
are profound, creating an environment where infrastructure investments can
exceed the operational capabilities required to maintain such assets
effectively. Consequently, municipalities may continue to bear liability for
these underfunded systems, neglecting proactive maintenance and subsequently
encountering frequent breakdowns and system failures.
Additionally, the pressure exerted by
funding structures favouring CapEx inhibits the development of a balanced and
sustainable approach to infrastructure management. A more equitable funding
model should advocate for a dual strategy that allocates resources to both new
constructions and necessary maintenance, thereby enhancing long-term service
delivery while simultaneously addressing common public concerns about service
interruptions and degraded infrastructure quality.
As a result of these dynamics, the neglect
of maintenance stemming from political and budgetary structures often leads to
avoidable breakdowns and emergency repairs. The consequences of delayed
maintenance manifest in disruptions to essential services and a degradation of
public confidence in infrastructure governance. When fragile systems fail, the
ensuing public outcry underscores the urgent need for investment in proper
maintenance rather than temporary fixes or new constructions that are
politically expedient but do not resolve underlying issues.
erosion of trust not only reflects service
delivery failures but can also influence voters' perceptions of governmental
efficacy, presenting electoral consequences for those in power who do not
prioritise infrastructure resilience. Building public confidence necessitates
acknowledging maintenance as not merely an operational detail but a crucial
political concern indicative of a government's commitment to the welfare of its
constituents.
Proposed corrective measures include
enhancing accountability systems for maintenance budgeting, aligning them with
capital projects; integrating community feedback into funding priorities; and
fostering political consensus on the importance of OpEx as a foundational
element of sustainable infrastructure management. Such strategic shifts can
help mitigate the adverse effects of funding disparities between CapEx and
OpEx, thus promoting an infrastructure system that is robust, resilient, and
responsive to public needs.
In conclusion, addressing the political and
budgetary implications of mismatched timelines in infrastructure planning and
maintenance is critical for fostering a sustainable and dependable public
service landscape. By revising funding priorities and recalibrating political
incentives, stakeholders can initiate a paradigm shift that acknowledges the
significance of long-term planning in infrastructure maintenance as fundamental
to ensuring the reliability and quality of services provided to communities.
4
The Consequences of Neglect
The consequences of
neglecting maintenance in critical infrastructure can have severe, cascading
effects across several domains, including public health, economic stability,
and overall community welfare. As maintenance issues become increasingly
prevalent, they are often linked to deteriorating water quality, rising energy
costs, and increased failure rates of essential systems. For instance,
inadequately maintained water and sanitation systems can lead to catastrophic
public health crises, such as the widely publicised lead contamination in
Flint, Michigan, where insufficient maintenance and budget cuts to vital
infrastructure resulted in widespread health issues, financial losses, and
erosion of public trust in local governance (Pauli, 2020).
4.1
Cascading Failures
One of the primary
consequences of neglecting maintenance is the phenomenon of cascading failures
that emerge within interconnected water systems. The deterioration of primary
components in these systems can lead to significant operational inefficiencies.
For instance, energy costs can increase when ageing pumps struggle under
sediment loads, leading to heightened energy consumption and costs for
municipalities (Batac et al., 2021). The failure to regularly clean or replace
equipment further compounds the issue, resulting in an environment that fosters
corrosion and biofilm growth within water distribution networks, ultimately
jeopardising the safety and quality of potable water supplies.
These cascading failures
illustrate the interconnectedness of various infrastructure systems and the
substantial public health crises that can arise from systemic neglect. In
Flint, Michigan, neglected water treatment systems contributed to corrosive conditions
that leached lead from pipes, leading to significant health crises affecting
thousands of residents, including neurological disorders and other profound
health implications (Pauli, 2020). The lessons learned from Flint underscore
the urgent need for concerted efforts to prioritise ongoing maintenance as a
critical component of public health protection and infrastructure
sustainability.
Moreover, the deterioration
of water quality due to maintenance neglect has far-reaching repercussions that
extend beyond health impacts, leading to increased public spending on
healthcare and emergency response efforts. The financial burdens resulting from
such crises place an additional strain on public resources, compelling local
governments to allocate funds towards remediation instead of proactive
maintenance efforts. Creates a vicious cycle where the neglect of maintenance
begets crises that further strain community resources and erode public trust in
institutions.
4.2
Economic Disruption
Beyond public health
ramifications, neglecting maintenance of water infrastructure has direct
economic implications, especially for sectors reliant on consistent and quality
water supplies. Agriculture and manufacturing are particularly vulnerable, as
treatment plants falter due to deferred maintenance, leading to outages that
disrupt supply chains and lessen productivity (Batac et al., 2021). In regions
where rapid response capacity is limited, the economic ramifications can
compound existing socio-economic disparities and leave marginalised communities
disproportionately affected by water supply failures.
Economic disruptions
triggered by water treatment failures have broader implications within local
and regional economies. Specific cases show that manufacturing facility
closures due to water quality issues can lead to significant drops in local
GDP, causing larger economic ramifications throughout interconnected markets.
The subsequent job losses can erode community stability, contributing to cycles
of poverty and disinvestment in affected regions and creating long-term
dependency on governmental support rather than fostering sustainable economic
recovery.
Economic analyses indicate
that inadequately maintained water infrastructure can indirectly impact
businesses dependent on product supply chains and customer bases reliant on
stable access to water (Batac et al., 2021). The inability of manufacturing and
agriculture to function optimally diminishes profitability and creates a
hostile investment environment, where businesses may gravitate toward areas
with better-maintained infrastructure. Dynamic underscores the need for
proactive maintenance funding that aligns with local economic development
strategies.
4.3
Disruption Across Geographies
Geographically, the
consequences of neglected infrastructure maintenance are unevenly distributed,
often correlating with a community's socio-economic status. Communities
identified as lower-income or those lacking robust emergency response
mechanisms are particularly susceptible to the cascading effects of neglect.
Reports indicate that residents of such communities are more likely to suffer from
both health ramifications and economic losses when water systems fail, as there
are limited resources to rebound effectively after crises (Batac et al., 2021).
In conflict-impacted
regions, the link between infrastructure neglect and public health emergencies
is highlighted by studies documenting widespread damage to water and sanitation
systems, which can exacerbate health crises, such as cholera outbreaks (Perlman
et al., 2025). Many communities experience drastically reduced access to clean
water, contributing to an ongoing cycle of health deterioration and economic
instability exacerbated by environmental and structural vulnerabilities.
The relationship between
socio-economic disparities and infrastructure maintenance highlights the urgent
need for equitable resource allocation strategies. Proactive planning must
focus on repairing and maintaining systems, especially in underserved areas, to
mitigate the compounded effects of neglect that leave communities and their
residents increasingly vulnerable to failures and crises.
4.4
Remaining Solutions and Forward Path
Addressing maintenance
issues within water infrastructures necessitates a strategic overhaul of
existing policies and funding mechanisms that typically prioritise new capital
projects over essential upkeep. Legislative intent should focus on integrating
maintenance funding into standard operational budgets while imposing minimum
maintenance standards to amplify compliance and accountability among utilities.
Transparent stakeholder
engagement is crucial as towns and municipalities navigate their relationships
with residents, particularly in vulnerable communities. Education and awareness
campaigns can help demonstrate the importance of ongoing maintenance, effectively
bridging the gap between public perception and infrastructural realities. By
fostering community engagement, governments can instil a sense of shared
ownership and responsibility for local infrastructure health, engendering more
robust partnerships in addressing infrastructural shortcomings.
In sum, the implications of
neglected infrastructure maintenance permeate multiple aspects of community
health, governance, and economic stability. By framing maintenance as an
essential pathway not merely for ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure
but also for fostering equitable public health outcomes, decision-makers can
challenge existing paradigms that have historically undervalued ongoing
maintenance efforts amid the allure of new capital projects. A shift toward
maintenance-oriented policies is not only a matter of technical necessity but
also vital for cultivating public trust and community resilience in the face of
growing challenges posed by neglect.
5
Who
Pays the Price?
The disparities in
maintenance and infrastructure provisioning across different communities reveal
a stark reality — those with the least political power often bear the brunt of
deferred maintenance. Rural villages, informal settlements, and marginalised
urban districts frequently confront essential services characterised by
unreliable water access, poor quality, and unsafe sanitation conditions. In
contrast, affluent districts tend to benefit from timely repairs and
infrastructure upgrades, underscoring a systemic urban bias and the influence
of political prioritisation in resource allocation. Dynamic raises critical
questions about equity, access, and the reliability of public services, with
significant implications for public health and community well-being.
5.1
Urban Bias & Political Prioritisation
The political landscape
profoundly influences how resources are distributed among communities, leading
to what can be termed as an urban bias in repairs and infrastructure
investment. It is not uncommon for repairs and maintenance work to be
preferentially directed toward affluent areas such as commercial districts and
wealthy suburbs, often at the expense of low-income neighbourhoods and rural
communities (Wyrwoll et al., 2022). As a direct consequence of disparity in
public spending, marginalised groups may find themselves resorting to
alternatives like bottled water or private wells, which not only incur higher
costs but also lack the safety protocols typically associated with public
municipal systems.
Research achieves clarity on
how these imbalances adversely affect poorer regions, including those already
facing systemic inequities. Communities in marginalised urban districts
frequently experience sustained water outages, exacerbated by their lower
political representation and lack of advocacy, which results in lower priority
being assigned to their infrastructure needs (Kantartzis et al., 2021).
Residents in these areas are often left vulnerable to the impacts of
insufficient maintenance, which culminates in deteriorating health outcomes and
elevated economic costs tied to reliance on substandard or inconsistent water
sources.
The geographical and
political divergence in service delivery fosters an environment where wealthier
communities not only have better access to necessary services but also possess
the power to influence political decision-making processes. The cycle creates a
feedback loop where the affluent receive the lion's share of resources,
perpetuating an inequitable system that serves to entrench existing
inequalities. As a consequence, wealthier neighbourhoods often benefit from
swift infrastructure improvements, including timely repairs and extensive
upgrades, while their under-resourced counterparts languish in neglect.
5.2
Private vs. Public Responses
Corporations wield
considerable influence in securing infrastructure improvements, often through
lobbying efforts that enable them to bypass public processes that typically
govern municipal resource allocation. Large companies frequently secure
emergency pipelines or on-site treatment solutions, demonstrating the disparity
in responses available to private entities compared to those experienced by
cash-strapped municipalities (Popović et al., 2020). results in an
"invisible subsidy" enjoyed by large industries, placing them at an
advantage over residents who cannot access similar resources.
The pull of private
interests also exacerbates inequities in public service provision. Corporations
can leverage their financial resources to accelerate necessary infrastructure
developments, whereas financially constrained public entities struggle with routine
maintenance due to budgetary limitations and competing priorities dictated by
political timelines. Discrepancy not only highlights the power imbalance but
also reveals systemic injustices embedded within the fabric of public service
provisioning, whereby large corporations receive preferential treatment that
further isolates vulnerable communities from essential resources.
Moreover, the implications
of dependence on private sector capacity for crisis response further exacerbate
existing disparities in urban infrastructure resilience. Cash-strapped
municipalities are left to grapple with the repercussions of deferred
investments in maintenance while corporate entities effectively bypass these
shortages, often contributing to an ever-widening chasm between affluent and
marginalised communities.
5.3
Data Gaps Obscure Disparities
One of the underlying
factors that further impoverish the ability to address these disparities is the
presence of data gaps that obscure the actual condition of infrastructures and
maintenance schedules, particularly in less affluent areas. The absence of
transparent and readily accessible repair-timeline reporting shields the
existing inequities, leaving advocates and community members unable to hold
utilities or regulators accountable (Popović et al., 2020). The lack of public
dashboards and accessible performance metrics means that communities cannot
effectively track issues related to service quality, response times, or
maintenance backlogs, consequently contributing to a sense of powerlessness in
their advocacy efforts.
Public scrutiny regarding
service provision is essential in catalysing change within maintenance budgets
and operational commitments. Advocates leverage data to shine a light on
inequities, empowering community voices and facilitating effective dialogues
regarding the fundamental need for equitable investment across different
geographic regions. However, without accessible and transparent data, marginalised
communities often find themselves at a disadvantage when attempting to address
lapses in service delivery.
lack of accountability not only hampers
ongoing maintenance efforts but can also diminish public trust in local utility
providers and government entities, fostering an environment where residents
feel increasingly disconnected from the governance processes that guide their
essential services. Ultimately, the absence of data reporting and public
accountability measures combines with existing inequalities to create a vicious
cycle of neglect and diminished quality of life for affected communities.
5.4
The Cycle of Inequity and Consequences
The implications of these
inequalities in infrastructure maintenance extend far beyond immediate access
to water and sanitation services. Inadequate investments and systemic neglect
of maintenance tasks disproportionately impact already vulnerable communities,
sustaining cycles of poverty, health crises, and economic instability.
Communities lacking consistent access to services may experience public health
challenges related to inadequate sanitation, contaminated water supplies, and
economic costs tied to ineffective public infrastructure, an emphasis that
attempts to outline the economic burden placed on these marginalised areas.
In conclusion, the narrative
of "who pays the price" in terms of deferred maintenance underscores
an overarching disparity in how resources are allocated and leveraged across
different communities, particularly between marginalised urban districts, rural
settlements, and affluent suburbs. The political dimensions of infrastructure
maintenance create environments where underrepresentation and systemic
inequities lead to access disparities, leaving vulnerable populations in a perpetual
cycle of neglect and inadequacy. Structural change is necessary to address
these issues, necessitating enhanced data transparency, equitable funding
mechanisms, and an emphasis on sustained maintenance commitments as integral to
community well-being and resilience.
6
Policy Fixes and Accountability Gaps
The systemic issues within
water management that lead to deferred maintenance and inequitable service
delivery can be addressed through targeted policy fixes that enhance
accountability and transparency. Integrating maintenance into regulatory
frameworks, enforcing minimum service standards, and establishing mechanisms
for monitoring and reporting maintenance performance can significantly improve
public service reliability. To rectify the current imbalance where utility
managers are evaluated primarily based on project expansions rather than
operational efficacy, new metrics must be developed that highlight the
performance of existing infrastructure. Additionally, international donors must
allocate funds for operational expenditures (OpEx) rather than solely for
capital expenditures (CapEx) to avoid creating stranded assets that burden
municipalities with ineffective infrastructure.
6.1
Balanced Funding Models
A balanced funding model is
essential for addressing the operational needs of water utilities while
ensuring that maintenance receives the appropriate level of attention.
Implementing multi-year OpEx provisions alongside CapEx appropriations will
facilitate the creation of maintenance funds that can roll over if unspent,
thereby guaranteeing predictable budgeting for workforce training, monitoring,
and asset renewal efforts. Such funding strategies help establish a continuous
maintenance cycle that improves service reliability and enhances the longevity
of infrastructure critical for community health and satisfaction.
Introducing a
well-structured funding model could also mitigate the financial strain on
smaller municipalities that may otherwise lack sufficient capital to invest in
maintenance and operational activities. With secured funding, water utilities
can adopt a proactive maintenance approach that aligns more closely with
infrastructure needs rather than reactive repairs triggered by failures. It is
particularly vital in regions where systemic disparities in service delivery
persist, as adequately resourced utilities may be better positioned to address
the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
Moreover, these funding
models should emphasise the importance of community involvement and feedback in
shaping local priorities. By engaging residents in discussions around fund
allocation for both CapEx and OpEx, utilities can foster a sense of collective
ownership and promote strategies that align with the unique needs of individual
neighbourhoods. Approach enhances accountability and ensures that maintenance
efforts respond to the direct concerns of community members.
6.2
Regulatory Enforcement
Regulatory enforcement is a
crucial mechanism for ensuring that maintenance receives the attention it
warrants in water management strategies. Mandating minimum levels of preventive
maintenance for facilities is essential, along with publishing reliability
metrics such as burst rates and downtime statistics. Such requirements can
create greater transparency in how utilities operate and maintain their
infrastructures, driving improvements based on performance assessments.
To reinforce accountability,
linking utility executive compensation structures to OpEx performance, rather
than focusing solely on network expansion, could incentivise managers to
prioritise reliability and maintenance efforts. A shift towards evaluating
executive success based on operational effectiveness has the potential to alter
significantly how water utilities approach maintenance, moving away from a
culture of neglect to one that values sustainable service delivery.
Mandatory public reporting
of maintenance performance data adds a layer of accountability, allowing
community advocates and stakeholders to hold utilities responsible for lapses
in service provision. Data on maintenance practices, schedules, and performance
metrics must be available to the public, fostering transparent discussions that
engage communities in ongoing dialogue about service quality.
6.3
Community Empowerment
Empowering communities and
supporting localised decision-making can enhance maintenance efforts while
fostering trust between utility providers and residents. Supporting decentralised
micro-treatment systems, rainwater harvesting, and community-led initiatives
can help relieve pressure on central network infrastructures. By promoting
local ownership of these systems, residents can play a proactive role in
ensuring their water security, which aligns with broader goals of
sustainability and resilience.
Community empowerment also
involves facilitating the development of localised maintenance programs that
draw on community resources and capacities, thereby reducing dependence on
oversized centralised service infrastructures. Decentralised systems can
effectively alleviate pressure on public utilities, allowing local actors and
municipal providers to navigate service delivery challenges collectively.
Moreover, involving
communities in governance and oversight processes enables residents to advocate
for their maintenance needs, ensuring a prioritisation of long-term
sustainability over short-term political gain. Collaborative frameworks that
leverage local knowledge create pathways for communities to articulate their
needs and work together with authorities to enhance service quality.
The embedding of effective
maintenance strategies into regulatory frameworks, developing balanced funding
models, and reinforcing accountability measures are critical steps for
addressing gaps in water infrastructure management. By prioritising OpEx
alongside CapEx and fostering community involvement in decision-making
processes, stakeholders can create a paradigm that values reliability and
sustainability. Approach can cultivate more equitable service delivery systems,
ensuring that all communities, especially the most vulnerable, receive the
support they require in maintaining essential infrastructure.
7
Case Study: São Paulo, Brazil
In São Paulo, Brazil, the
water utility company SABESP has successfully implemented a transformative
preventive maintenance program that utilises advanced sensor technology and
predictive analytics. By emphasising operational expenditure (OpEx) planning, the
initiative has led to reductions in pipe bursts, decreased energy costs, and
improvements in consumer satisfaction and overall resilience to drought
conditions.
7.1
Preventive Maintenance Program
SABESP's preventive
maintenance program leverages the power of sensor networks and predictive
analytics to enhance operational efficiency. By monitoring the water
distribution system through sophisticated sensors, the utility can identify
potential problems before they escalate into failures. Specifically, the
program schedules targeted pipe replacements and pump servicing at optimal
times, minimising service disruptions and enhancing the longevity of its
infrastructure. By adopting a data-driven approach, SABESP can plan maintenance
activities based on real-time information, ensuring that necessary actions are
taken proactively.
The reliance on predictive
analytics allows SABESP to assess the condition of its infrastructure
dynamically and allocate maintenance resources effectively. A forward-thinking
approach to maintenance is crucial for urban utilities, as it facilitates both
cost reductions and the optimisation of asset lifecycles.
7.2
Measured Results
The results of SABESP's
preventive maintenance program demonstrate its effectiveness. Over three years,
the city observed a notable reduction in pipe bursts. A decline in failures
translates to reduced operational disruptions and contributes to increased
overall system reliability.
Furthermore, as the water
distribution system became more efficient, energy costs associated with pump
operations also declined. Pumps are now capable of operating at optimal
efficiency levels, which is critical for reducing energy consumption and consequently
utility costs. Efficiency has a positive impact on environmental
sustainability, as reduced energy usage minimises the carbon footprint of water
management operations.
Consumer satisfaction has
improved, as residents experience more reliable water services and fewer
interruptions. Enhanced satisfaction is paramount in a region like São Paulo
that experiences variability in climate conditions, making reliability a
critical factor in urban water management. Additionally, the initiative has
bolstered São Paulo's resilience to drought conditions.
The proactive preventive
maintenance program at SABESP exemplifies how the integration of technology and
operational planning can yield substantial benefits for urban water utilities.
By employing advanced monitoring and predictive analytics, SABESP has enhanced
its infrastructure resilience, reduced costs, and significantly improved
service delivery for residents. A case study highlights the importance of
prioritising OpEx as part of a comprehensive strategy for effective water
management in rapidly growing urban areas, contributing not only to immediate
operational goals but also to long-term sustainability and public trust.
8
Conclusion: A Call for Visibility
Maintenance of
infrastructure—particularly for water systems—is fundamentally not just a
technical requirement; it is a profound political commitment reflecting
societal values regarding whose lives are prioritised and which services are
deemed worthy of support. The elevation of maintenance from an overlooked
necessity to a central strategy is imperative for ensuring sustainable water
reliability. The chapter articulates two main themes—framing maintenance as a
human right and reframing the narrative around infrastructure maintenance, which
are critical for effective public service delivery. Maintenance is not merely a
technical necessity—it is a moral, political, and societal imperative. The way
we treat maintenance reflects what and who we value. When maintenance is
underfunded, overlooked, or politicised out of sight, we create invisible fault
lines that eventually surface in the form of broken infrastructure, public
health crises, and widening inequality.
The report has shown that the politics of
infrastructure maintenance are not neutral. Whether through misaligned funding
cycles, inequitable service delivery, or regulatory gaps, maintenance reflects more
profound questions of governance, accountability, and justice. Elevating
maintenance requires us to confront these questions directly—and to answer with
bold, systemic action.
8.1
Maintenance as a Human Right
The notion that maintenance
can be framed as a human right is rooted in the understanding that reliable
access to water is a fundamental aspect of human dignity. Political choices
significantly influence who receives access to dependable and safe water supplies.
Consequently, policies surrounding infrastructure maintenance and operational
expenditure (OpEx) must reflect transparency in spending, public reporting on
performance metrics, and a sharp accountability framework for failures. When
governments prioritise maintenance visibility and enforce regulatory standards,
they manifest a commitment to equity and justice in resource distribution. It is
particularly crucial in underserved areas where the health and livelihoods of
residents hang in the balance.
The participation of local
communities and stakeholders in the decision-making processes pertaining to
maintenance provides a feedback loop that supports accountability and enhances
the responsiveness of utility providers. Evidence shows that transparency in
OpEx reporting and maintenance practices leads to heightened public engagement,
ultimately creating pressure for officials to uphold their commitments to water
reliability (Marlim et al., 2019). For instance, efforts to publish data on
service performance and maintenance metrics can empower communities to advocate
for necessary infrastructure investments, thereby driving political will
towards these critical objectives.
Access to reliable, safe
water is a fundamental human right. That right is not fulfilled simply by
laying pipes or building treatment plants—it depends on the continuous care of
those systems. Maintenance is the daily expression of that right. Without it,
infrastructure becomes unreliable, communities lose trust, and rights erode.
Reframing maintenance as a
human right means requiring transparency in spending, mandating performance
reporting, and ensuring communities have a voice in how services are sustained.
It also means shifting our mindset: from seeing maintenance as a cost to seeing
it as a commitment to health, dignity, and equity.
8.2
Reframing the Narrative
Reinforcing the significance
of maintenance requires a strategic reframing of how societies perceive and
prioritise function within their policy frameworks. Elevating maintenance from
an afterthought to a core policy pillar is essential for addressing the
challenges posed by ageing infrastructures and emerging demands on water
services driven by climate change and urbanisation. Valuing the routine yet
impactful efforts involved in upkeep will not only safeguard infrastructure
resilience but also enhance equity across diverse communities (Duffuaa &
Raouf, 2015).
Envisioning maintenance as a
proactive strategy rather than a reactive measure shifts the entire paradigm
surrounding public service delivery. Efficient maintenance practices must be
integrated into long-term planning, with provisions for sustained funding and
prioritisation. The relationship between OpEx and CapEx should be realigned
such that public and international funding equally supports both operational
maintenance and new infrastructure projects, thus avoiding the creation of
stranded assets that threaten service continuity and public trust.
The integration of
intelligent maintenance technologies, predictive analytics, and performance
measurements can enhance visibility around maintenance efforts, ensuring they
are aligned with community needs and environmental realities. Investing in
modernisation initiatives not only promotes efficiency but also serves as an
instrument for community empowerment and social equity. Public utilities that
engage with their communities to co-create solutions are better positioned to
address the multifaceted challenges surrounding water management effectively
(Kalungi & Croxton, 2011).
To create political will for
maintenance, we must reframe the narrative. Maintenance is not routine
drudgery—it is climate resilience. It is economic efficiency. It is public
trust. The unglamorous work of technicians and utility crews is the frontline defence
against breakdown, disease, and inequality.
Narrative shift requires action:
- The media should highlight
maintenance success stories as models of good governance.
- Development partners must demand
lifecycle planning in all project designs.
- Schools and universities should
embed maintenance literacy into engineering, urban planning, and public
policy curricula.
Only by normalising
maintenance as a critical, courageous act of stewardship can we change how it
is funded, governed, and celebrated.
8.3
A Future of Reliable Systems
As cities grow, climates
shift, and demands on infrastructure increase, maintenance must become the
cornerstone of resilience strategies. Predictive analytics, decentralised
systems, participatory budgeting, and transparent reporting are no longer
innovations—they are necessities.
To realise a future where
maintenance is visible and valued, governments must:
- Institutionalise OpEx within
infrastructure budgets
- Incentivise utility performance
based on reliability, not expansion alone
- Empower communities to co-govern
service delivery and oversight
Above all, we must invest
not just in what we build, but in how we care.
8.4
Final Thought
In conclusion, the journey
towards improved water reliability hinges on maintaining a clear focus on the
importance of upkeep in infrastructure systems as part of broader commitments
to social equity and environmental sustainability. Elevating maintenance from a
fringe concern to a central tenet of water policy is not merely a practical
necessity but a moral imperative. Establishing a culture that values the
mundane work of upkeep will guarantee that societies can sustain lasting water
reliability, equipping communities to weather the challenges of governmental
mismanagement, social inequality, and climate variability.
Maintenance is political
because it is about continuity, dignity, and responsibility. It is the quiet
backbone of modern life—the difference between crisis and stability, between
rhetoric and reality. Recognising it as such is the first step in creating
systems that do not just exist, but endure—serving all people with fairness,
foresight, and respect.
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