Public-private partnerships for road infrastructure services in Zambia

This paper presents a case study which seeks to discuss public-private partnerships for road maintenance and management in developing countries, by taking Zambia as an example. It offers a methodology that seeks to identify obstacles in public-private partnership implementation, factors that may affect the potential of new public-private partnership projects and criteria for judging the progress of public-private partnership projects and associated risks. A questionnaire was developed and delivered to a number of stakeholders concerned. Their responses were analysed accordingly. The study demonstrated that both financial and political risks are the main concerns for the public-private partnership stakeholders. In addition it suggested that cost effectiveness and public satisfaction expressed in terms of revenues from road user charges seem to be suitable measures of success. Also, the study showed how experience from similar projects or conditions may be used to address uncertainties associated with governance, financing and political instability. Finally it is suggested that an increased involvement of sponsors may improve the development stages of public-private partnerships such as those of feasibility studies, procurement and project implementation, which in turn may lead to enhanced transparency and reduced project risk.