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ability. Some examples of what this means in practice have already been givenfor example, in relation to the need for frames on manhole covers and benching within chambers. There are also likely to be differences of opinion on permissible minimum slopes, with community members perhaps wishing to lay sewers at flatter slopes than professionals might think desirable. (Although, as we have seen, there is considerable debate among professionals on this matter.) Potentially more difficult are those differences of opinion on what constitute acceptable standards for sewer pipes, cover and manhole dimensions, with government engineers insisting on conventional standards which make sewers unaffordable to community groups. |
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It is still too early to be categoric about the way in which such differences in perspective and outlook can be resolved. It would seem that modifications and additions suggested by engineers should be acceptable to community members provided that: |
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their benefits are clearly explained and, where necessary demonstrated; and |
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the resulting cost increases fall within acceptable limits. |
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Where practices and materials used by community members provide a satisfactory product but differ from those specified by government, it will be necessary to develop revised standards and procedures which take into account the location and function of the facilities. In general, it seems reasonable that government authorities should accept that communities should have a major say in what is acceptable for facilities that they provide and maintain themselves, provided always that the integrity of downstream facilities is ensured. |
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Arrangements for Project Finance |
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The basic concept underlying the FAUP is that community members and government should share the responsibility for provision of services at the local level. In the case of infrastructure, this means that the community members will contribute 50 per cent of the cost of any scheme implemented under the project. This contribution may include some non-monetary inputs, for instance the provision of labour and materials, but |
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