Petty corruption associated with meter readings, repairs and, the expediting of new connections
A systematic effort to map petty corruption and its modus operandi in India’s water sector was completed in 2004.
The cumulative revenue losses stemming from falsified water meters add up to large sums over time. This is money that could have been spent on improved operation and maintenance, or new investments to improve water and sanitation systems for vulnerable groups. Such additional costs are rarely taken into account in corruption equations.
41% of interviewees had made more than one small payment (average payment USD$0.45) in the past 6 months to falsify meter reading to lower bills.
12% had paid (around USD$22) to expedite new water and sanitation connections
0% of interviewees had made more than one small payment (average payment USD$1.90) in the past 6 months to expedite repair work.
