An Assessment of Community Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes: The Case of Eight Peasants Associations in North Gondar Zone
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Date
2006
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Due to an entire dependence on unsafe water sources, the larger proportions of
rural residents in the target eight PAs have been subjected to water-associated
morbidity and mortality. This situation was exacerbated by absence of latrine and
inadequacy of hygienic practices of rural inhabitants. Recently, with the aid of few
NGOs, some interventions have been made to provide safe water to the rural
dwellers, in cooperation with the Amhara regional state and the community. These
NGOs develop water points, and finally transfer them to WA TSAN committees so as
to fill the institutional gap at the grassroots. The general emphasis of this study was
to assess the situations of community management after water points were handed
over to users. The particular focus, however, was on technical, social, institutional,
and financial aspects of schemes in the target PAs, such as Dabat Zuria, Chilla,
Alem Tsehai (A TS) or Bihona, Eyaho Serava (EYS), Tsehai Egir Cherkas (TEC),
Darna Womberdi (OW), Saina Sabia (SS), and Azezo Tekle Haimanot (A TH) in
north Gondar zone. The results of the study revealed that improved water points
have not been managed as envisaged due to shortcomings in the approaches
followed by interventionists, inadequacy of the emphasis given to the software
aspects, and low level of commitment and participation in managing these
schemes. Except at Sera va, which is a growing small town in Chilga woreda,
WA TSAN committees.have ceased to function in the other PAs. As a result, service
fees have not been collected. They do not have financial record system and bank
accounts. Out of twenty improved water points, eighteen gravity points have faced
breakages of various kinds due to problems in operation and management. Most of
these points were not maintained due to financial constraints to cover maintenance
expenses. Furthermore, users manifest dependency feelings in that they require the
government to maintain broken points. Despite the major community management
deficiencies, most users in the study areas utilize improved water points. Vulnerable
community members in all study areas use water for free. Participation of women
had been good during the construction of improved points, but currently, they only
participate as collectors. The institutional arrangement was found vel}' poor. There
is no cooperation and integration among WA TSAN committees, woreda water
desks, and zonal water department. These water offices have shown inadequate
capacities to contribute to the continued functioning of improved points. There has
been inadequate monitoring and support from local water offices to WATSAN
committees.
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Keywords
Community Management of, Rural Water Supply Schemes