Model to improve the management of drinking water supply for the inhabitants of Mexico City

Abstract

The objective of this research is to design a model to improve the drinking water management supply for the inhabitants of Mexico City, considering that this City is one of the cities with the largest population worldwide and has a robust economy and infrastructure. Therefore, managing the resource is a challenge due to the multiple problems that arise. The methodology used was qualitative in which the literature on the subject was reviewed and semi-structured interviews were designed to be applied to 17 directors linked to drinking water management supply in the city located in the Water System of Mexico City (Sacmex, for its acronym in Spanish) and in the 16 mayors' offices, taking based on Hooper's model. The results and their discussion show that, of the 10 categories of the model, the lack of a budget stands out for optimal performance of management, and the necessary reforms in water regulations that allow streamlining processes and strengthening their evaluation and monitoring. Considering these two subcategories, the others could be greatly improved: coordinated decision making, response in decision making, objectives, their change and completion, organizational design, training and development, information and research, accountability, and monitoring; and the roles of the public and private sectors. However, political will is required, effective coordination between the main stakeholders and awareness on the part of the social sector. Finally, findings are offered on which future research can deepen.