Evaluation of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project Planning Process from Sustainability Perspectives: The Case of Misrak Badawacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

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Date

2011-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Sustainability of rural water supply and sanitation project is related to the project planning practices such as demand responsive project planning; participatory project planning; holistic consideration of key sustainability criteria in the planning process; and community based operation and maintenance system. The aim of this research is to evaluate rural water supply and sanitation project planning process from sustainability perspectives. To this end, the study was undertaken in four rural water supply and sanitation projects among rural communities in Misrak Badawacho woreda. The study was conducted by applying both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study reveal that water supply and sanitation project planning practice did not consider inclusion of sustainability criteria in the holistic way. A long-term view of sustainability with respect to all primary criteria in water and sanitation related decisions were not yet taking place in the woreda. Failing to consider key sustainability factors in the planning process, poor decision-making and poor planning process has contributed to project failure. The study also discloses that when key factors were considered in project planning, projects lead to sustainability and when not considered lead to project failure. Sustainability of water supply and sanitation projects are highly related to the project planning phase. Particularly, consideration of sustainability criteria is very crucial and necessary in water supply and sanitation project planning and decision-making processes. There is a need for holistic consideration of the long term implications to all the sustainability areas. Yet, such aspects are given less allention in the sector development projects.

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Rural Water Supply

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