Editor, I wish to respond to Isaac Sebakijje’s article “Why PPPs are crucial for regional integration” (The New Times, December 23).I think that the reason people take to the streets is not because of lack of infrastructure, but because their fundamental rights are at stake – particularly the right to proper accommodation and nutrition.The government, as the ultimate regulator, loses its neutral position when it compromises itself with profit-driven organisations. Governments should refrain particularly from giving up delivery, at reasonable prices, of highly sensitive public services that should not be left to be managed by private hands. These basic services include water, electricity, health, etcBoubacar, Touba, Senegal***************Boubacar is absolutely right from that human right perspective. That’s why I point out that PPP is not the ultimate solution for project financing but it is an important option. In the absence of basic infrastructure and social services like health, education, clean water, etc..., people will also take to the streets.East African governments can only lose their neutral positions to profit-driven companies if they fail to engage experts to handle PPP negotiations. Therefore, in far as human rights protection and infrastructure development are concerned, we can say that one cannot be neglected in favour of the other. Thanks for the input.Isaac Sebakijje, Uganda
