8.1 Implementing PPPs needs balanced involvement of all stakeholders. 'Open- ended' participation processes (no clear sense of the output) should be avoided. Similarly, the 'hijacking' of the process by some stakeholders may deprive the PPP of potential benefits of other parties.
8.2 Ongoing consultation and genuine participation contribute to the deepening of stakeholders' understanding of the concept and principles of PPP.
8.3 In setting up PPP arrangements, the distinctive roles of the public sector (national and local) are to co-ordinate and facilitate bringing PPP opportunities into the market, and to ensure stakeholder interests are protected5.
8.4 PPPs be designed not 'one-off projects' but as a sustainable process to integrate new modes of basic service delivery into local government.
8.5 Initiatives can increase impact by focusing resources.
8.6 Time was an identified constraint for implementing PPPs - they are fundamental new approaches and need time for partners to adapt.
8.7 A tension exists between having the appropriate PPP framework and pre- conditions in place, and shifting towards implementation.
8.8 Lengthy bureaucratic procedures at local (national) level can delay PPP implementation (with negative repercussions on local actors' commitment). Lack of political backing can derail PPP processes.
8.9 National and local level PPP drivers / champions play a pivotal role.
8.10 Detailed PPP business plans should be developed by local governments leading to tendering and 'contracting out' of the services.
8.11 Pilot towns should categorize services and service providers so that it is possible to identify which services and providers are, and can be made, pro-poor.
8.12 The appropriate design of tender documents is important for the pro-poor agenda. They can encourage pro-poor responses among service providers.
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5 In Namibia, the national ministry provided advisory support (e.g. development of business plans, support for preparation of tender documents and contract design), and carried out monitoring missions to pilot towns to check physical progress and challenges.