communities set the tariffs determine the budget and introduce changes in the water supply systems extension household connections in the short term it is expected that the government will further decentralise the rural water supply and sanitation sector there are already examples of water supply systems which a year after they have been rehabilitated are in very poor operating condition with standpipes broken well doors missing pumps out of order etc furthermore the remnants of welfare mentality and the desire to receive services for free are still strong national regulators can remove regulatory constraints by setting clear rules for water operators irrespective of ownership