Utilities Policy ( IF 3.8 ) Pub Date : 2020-12-09 , DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2020.101143 David Nilsson , Pär Blomkvist
This study investigates the Jisomee Mita, an innovation based on ICT-powered metering at property level aimed at increasing access to piped water and sewerage in low-income areas in Nairobi, Kenya. We present empirical findings from field investigations and actor interviews, which are analysed using a novel framework drawing on studies of business models, sustainability transition, and the history of technology. We explore the critical interface between utility infrastructure and potential customers as a locus of innovation. We find that the property owners are the main benefactors of self-read meters, while low-income end-users still depend on over-priced and unsafe water. The Jisomee Mita thus cannot be called a pro-poor innovation in its current implementation and context.
中文翻译:
自读水表是否有利于穷人?内罗毕低收入住区的证据
这项研究调查了Jisomee Mita,这是一项基于ICT技术的财产级计量技术,旨在提高肯尼亚内罗毕低收入地区的自来水和污水处理量。我们介绍了来自实地调查和演员访谈的经验发现,并使用了一种基于商业模型,可持续性转型和技术历史研究的新颖框架来进行分析。我们探索公用事业基础设施与潜在客户之间的关键接口,将其作为创新的场所。我们发现,业主是自助读表的主要受益者,而低收入最终用户仍然依靠价格过高和不安全的水。因此,在当前的实施和背景下,Jiomee Mita不能被称为有利于穷人的创新。