The right to water: A rural community-managed scheme in Samoa

Abstract

My thesis investigates the operationalisation of the right to water in a rural community-managed scheme in Samoa. The case study is one of 32 villages in Samoa that manage their water through an appointed local water committee. Historically, the community in question has been managing its water independently of the state with prolonged issues with poor water quality and intermittent supply. My research examines the state's national water plan and its implementation using core human rights principles. In addition, I evaluate the status of the right to water in the case study using the right to water framework detailed in General Comment No. 15 to guide my analysis. This document is a legal instrument that outlines the right to water obligations of rights-bearers with respect to rights-holders (individual citizens). My findings suggest that the state's national water plan pays more attention to rights-holders served by state water systems as compared to rights-holders living in communities that manage their own water. The partnership between Samoa's water sector and the Independent Water Schemes Association has created a situation where state water obligations have, so to speak, been watered-down. I argued that the perception that community-managed schemes are self-responsible is fundamentally flawed and incoherent with the state's efforts to increase community ownership in communities that manage their own water. The right to water for rights-holders living in the case study community is being progressively fulfilled. The upgraded water supply lends support to my conclusion however there remain some concerns that, when viewed through a rights lens, demand immediate attention from the state. Although community members find local water management acceptable, the local water system is unreliable especially for households located inland. Such communities represent the acid test for commitment from the state with respect to ensuring equitable access to clean water.