Fill in the Blanks Linking words and phrases practiceOnline version In this last extract there are four gaps to be filled and 6 words/phrases to choose from. by Claudia Leyra 1 When countries in Sub - Saharan Africa became independent , the state dominated the provision of utilities . , in the 1980s the debt crisis and the ensuing contraction of budgets prompted a re - appraisal of public sector provision . The financial difficulties of many state utilities in the 1980s led to a focus on achieving financial sustainability . Attaining social objectives was relegated to a later stage . , poor households have suffered from the reduction in subsidies and disconnection from services when they are unable to pay . Moreover , service delivery has become more fragmented , intensifying inequalities in provision . Also in Tanzania , the privatisation of Dar es Salaam ? s water supply began in the mid - 1990s . This first attempt collapsed in 2000 while a second attempt elicited only one bid , from a consortium led by the UK firm , Biwater . Although the contract with this firm was signed in 2003 , it was terminated 18 months later after no improvement in services . , management of the sector was transferred to a specially created public company , under the leadership of a new and effective CEO . Major improvements were evident within the first three months of operation . The country case studies in the publication " Privatisation and Alternative Public Sector Reform in Sub - Saharan Africa " confirm that years of trying to privatise utilities , the state remains , by far , the dominant provider of water and electricity . Even in countries where there has been some private sector participation , a strong state has still been needed to monitor and regulate private firms . raising tariffs is intended to improve the financial health of utilities , it does not always lead to higher revenue . Consumption can fall if consumers pursue other alternatives . Often these are unsafe and unhealthy . In Malawi , , a 25 per cent increase in electricity prices led to a record use of charcoal its production has been illegal since 1997 its contribution to deforestation .
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