How systems connect - 2 of 3: Structural connections using WASH examples

In the previous article, we discussed functional connections in a WASH system where the output of one system is the input of another. In this piece, we discuss the structural connections in systems with some examples from WASH.

Structural connections occur when two or more systems share space, infrastructures, actors or rules (1). The sharing can be competitive or complementary. Competition often leads to reduced synergies. Below I give examples of how this sharing occurs using WASH and other systems.?

Sharing space:

In the UK and Kenya, fibre optic cables are often laid? in sewers and along power lines respectively. Here the sharing of space calls for extensive cooperation among actors for it to be fruitful.

Where spaces are in competitive use, such as in informal settlements, water pipelines go aerial as other space is already taken by competing basic services. In this case, a different actor constellation occurs.?

In both cases, actors have to develop new skill sets.?

In many other countries, water supply pipes, sewers and other basic infrastructures are laid on way leaves which has a direct connection with the mobility system.

These are all examples of the water system linking with another system through complementary use of space.?

Sharing technology & infrastructures:

Similar technologies and infrastructures are used across sectors. A good example is turbidity sensors. These measure the cloudiness or haziness and the concentration of total dissolved/suspended solids of a solution.

Turbidity sensors are used not only for waste and drinking water quality tests, but also for effluent and industrial control, leak detection of filters and gaskets, yeast harvesting and phase separation in cream and milk industries.?

Smart metering solutions also connect systems albeit conceptually. For instance in Kenya, both electricity and water supply are metered. Furthermore, tracking systems used to monitor waste water emptying trucks are similar to those used in the freight and logistic industries.

These among other examples demonstrate how technologies can connect different systems.?

Sharing rules:

While seemingly different, systems do share rules. This manifests in the form of joint associations between systems that are seemingly different or common modes of doing business.

One example is the DVGW – German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water in the German speaking countries. Another example is the common rules for all parastatals such as the Parastatal Organizations Act in Tanzania. Many such parastatals and Acts exist especially in African countries to provide basic services and share similar rules.

Furthermore, principles such as pay per use, prepay, post pay and prorated pay are all payment rules common in different systems such as water supply, electricity supply, internet supply, garbage collection among others.?

Sharing actors:

A plumber is a good example of how actors connect different systems since different systems seek expertise from the same pool of plumbers.?

For instance, industries such as tanning factories that are part of the leather value chain system require industrial plumbers. Similarly, the sanitation system requires sanitary plumbers that ensure wastewater flows to? treatment plants. Both of these career paths for plumbers are different from residential and commercial plumbers.?

This exemplifies how several systems can be connected by a single actor type.

Wrap up:

Besides systems connecting functionally, they also connect structurally by sharing different aspects.?

Structural connections occur when two or more systems share space, infrastructures, actors or rules

Why is it necessary to understand these? Because an action on one system distorts what is shared and this results in tensions in other systems that may have negative implications.

In the next piece, we shall look at a third way that systems connect: scalar connections.?

Please let me know whether this is useful in the comments and share with colleagues.?

#PREF4WASH Sandec-Eawag #WASHSYSTEMS #WASH

References

Bergek, A., Hekkert, M., Jacobsson, S., Markard, J., Sandén, B., & Truffer, B. (2015). Technological innovation systems in contexts: Conceptualizing contextual structures and interaction dynamics. Environmental innovation and societal transitions, 16, 51-64.