An Assessment of Challenges of Sustainable Rural Water Supply: The Case of Ofla Woreda in Tigray Region

Gebrehiwot, Misgina (2006) An Assessment of Challenges of Sustainable Rural Water Supply: The Case of Ofla Woreda in Tigray Region. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

Potable water supply coverage in rural areas of Ethiopia in general and in Tigray region in particular is very low. Although investments in the sector are growing, the coverage still remains very low. In countries like Ethiopia where resources are very scarce, studies to identify factors, which affect continual use of potable water from existing projects, are not as such widely done. Objectives of this study is to identify challenges of sustainable use of potable water supply by assessing some typical factors related to utilization and community satisfaction; community participation in both planning and implementation phases; and technical follow ups available in water supply systems. A three-stage procedure with both probability and non-probability sampling method was used to identify four tabias and water projects constructed between 1993 and 1997 E.C. in Ofla Woreda. Twelve water points and 180 HHs were selected randomly and in systematic base respectively from the sample tabias. Cross-sectional design with descriptive analysis was applied using different data collection methods in March 2006. Very little role of local communities was seen in site and technology selections. Results showed that 75% of water points are located on 20 minutes minimum and 2 hours maximum distance from users; 66.7% of water projects do not have fences; but all except one have guards. Differences in construction quality had also been observed resulted from variation in supervision works; and 57% of water points have faced at least a one time failures in their life. Per capita water consumption in a day is less; more than 90% of the people take less than 20 litters (minimum standard set by WHO) of potable water. Thirty seven percent of water projects are perceived to have not less distance to beneficiaries comparing with previous unsafe sources but 100% of the people support the idea of paying for the water service. Results also showed that 94% of beneficiaries use unsafe water sources for other uses than drinking and food making to reduce pressure of frequent work of hand pumps and get benefit out of it. While the existence of Water Committees (WCs) and labor contribution of people are other strong side, where as lack of training for WCs, communities and operators at community level in addition to poor integration of Woreda staffs are found as weakness in the study areas. Enhancing community participation in every necessary decision and strengthening the technical and resource capacity of Woreda RWMEO are strongly recommended to sustain benefits of rural water services.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Tim Khabala
Date Deposited: 09 Aug 2018 10:21
Last Modified: 09 Aug 2018 10:21
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/8430

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