Vicky Walters

Doctor of Philosophy, (Development Studies)
Study Completed: 2011
College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
The power to reform: Water and poverty of democracy and rights in the era of "good" governance

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Vicky’s research focused on contemporary governance reforms in the south Indian state of Karnataka which aim to commercialise and privatise water services in urban areas. Similar reforms are being carried out throughout the world under the umbrella of “good governance”. The “good governance” discourse suggests that human rights, democracy and commercial reforms are complimentary and reinforcing, and the discourse has been embraced by many international development agencies, NGOs, citizens and governments. This research has shown, however, that commercial reforms in the water sector present serious limitations to democracy in practice and the right to water for the urban poor.

Supervisors
Professor Regina Scheyvens
Dr Warwick Tie