Assessment of Long Distance Water Supply Issues: The Case of Gimbichu Fentale Water Supply Project
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Date
2017-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This project assesses the issues on long distance water supply systems with the case of Gimbichu Fentale water supply projects which is located in Oromia Region, East Shewa Zone; and which is currently serving six woredas of the zone namely Gimbichu, Ada’a, Lume, Adama, Boset and Fentale. Based on the data availed from Water supply board and Oromia Water Mineral and Energy bureau and with Hydraulic Simulation of EPANET2, it was found that there was serious issues on this long distance water supply regarding;
- High unbalance of supply (33.5 lt/sec) relative to current demand (71.95 lt/sec),
- High pressure fluctuation in the system (206.44 m at Junc J(17+325)) and negative 130.1m at Junc E(11+025),
- Significant unaccounted/loss (37%) of water in the system and the sustainability issue of the project.
It was found on the study that, supply of the source is on giving below half of the current demand of the area. On the feasibility study of the project, it was recommended that, additional boreholes should be dug to meet the demands from inception of the project. Nothing is done yet by sector office and this brings the high unbalance of supply with demand.
The issue of head loss due to friction and the issue of unaccounted water are also seen on the study. On average 37% of the water supplied is not accounted. There was significant overflow on reservoirs, collection chambers, and pressure reducing structures during wet season and serious water shortage during dry period. In addition there was a high line leakage and also there are many water meters which are not functioning.
The issue of the sustainability of the project is also assessed. Even though there was a structured water board that is on managing the system, it was found that, there is a great lack of integration among all concerned stakeholders. Nothing is done to extend the life of project beyond its design year; there is high degradation of the environment
Assessment of long distance water supply issues: The case of GFWSP AAiT, April 2017
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around the project site. Finally it was recommended in the project that, without properly and professionally addressing the issues raised, it is impossible to meet the goals sets of this and other long distance water supply projects already constructed or on progress in the country.
Key words: Water supply, Gimbichu Fentale project, Supply-demand, pressure, head loss, leakage, unaccounted water, sustainability
Description
Keywords
Water supply, Gimbichu Fentale project, Supply-demand, Pressure, Head loss, leakage, Unaccounted water, Sustainability