상·하수도 산업 구조개편에 관한 입법정책적 과제

The most realistic way to restructure the local water supply and sewer system ,which is a financial pressure factor for the local governments, is to expand the scope and the contents of the consignment agreement between the local government and the specialized agencies on the basis of the current Water Service Act. In particular, it is expected to generate significant effects in the case of the so-called complex consignment agreement since more comprehensive rights and obligations can be granted to the specialized agencies which are the trustees. In the case of corporatization, local autonomy which has gained self-confidence through concession contracts can become a more competitive subject by investing by itself or in collaboration with specialized agencies. In accordance with local autonomy act, local governments can establish mutual partnership amongst themselves, but these methods still have critical drawbacks in which the shortcomings of the direct management system cannot be overcomed. Whereas partial privatization is concerned, considering the responsibilities of the state and the local autonomy on water resources and water management, national consensus must be preceded at the time of promoting such policy, let alone full-scale privatization. Alternatively private joint corporation based on the Private Participation Act can also be considered or local autonomies can establish a commercial corporation with private operators. However, in this case, it will rather have the character of a public-private corporation than a commercial corporation on account that local governments own a significant degree of equity and inflict managerial control over it.