after systems have been installed and are in operation. In Egypt, the Organisation for Reconstruction and Devalopment of Egyptian Villages ha8 had as one of its objectives since 1980 the strengthening of and support to local government at village, district and central level, with a view to improving their capacity for planning, organising, financing and monitoring systems. 54. The Decade has also witnessed some innovative approaches to promoting community involvement in operation and maintenance. A notable eXatIIpl8 is the development of the village-level Op8ratiOn and management/maintenance concept for handpumps referred to previously. 8. Mobilisation of thkprivate aeetor 55. Traditionally, the private sector has contributed to sector development through the local manufacture of equipment and components and involvement in several aspects related to the provision of services. 56. Examples of private sector initiatives have included leasing arrangements and the franchising of project 8X8CUtiOn. The involvement of the private sector is a possible vehicle for raising capital for basic services such as water and sanitation. The role of private vendors in the operation of etandposts as a replacement for private water vending in urban slum/perf-urban areas is an approach also warranting consideration. Additionally, the private sector has contributed significantly to drilling and water resources surveys through contract-drilling O!rations. However, experience has proven that when matters of public interest arvested in private hands, regulatory mechanisms are essential. Government interventions are required to ensure that affordable services are extended to the less privileged, and that enterprises do not take advantage of their monopoly position through excessive charges to Other econom!c seCtOr8. /. . .A/45/327 English Page lb 9. Bees devw 57. In response to queries through the WHO monitoring programme, 106 of 117 countries reported having assessed their present manpower situation, but only about s one third of th8Se have been able to predict future requirements. Although almost
**Analysis**
The text discusses various initiatives and approaches related to improving water and sanitation services, particularly in rural and urban areas. It mentions the involvement of the private sector, government interventions, and community involvement in operation and maintenance. The text also touches on the need for regulatory mechanisms and the importance of affordable services for the less privileged.

**Category**
Economic development, Health