ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION PROBLEMS: THE CASE OF BURAYU TOWN, OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE SURROUNDING FINFINE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Access to quality water remains a key indicator of an improved social and economic life of any community. The objective of this study was to assess the challenges of water supply and distribution problems of Burayu town. Descriptive survey method was used to assess the area for its water supply and distribution schemes based on survey responses from a total of 303 households picked from three kebeles of the town. Descriptive survey method was used to select household respondents, while purposive sampling was attended for interviewing the key personnel. The primary and secondary data were collected by different methods. Questionnaire survey, key informants’ interview, observation and document analysis data collection tools were used. The collected data were properly analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was found that there are water supply and distribution challenges like; inadequate access to pipe water, inefficient pipeline and frequent interruption in the area due to different reasons. Among the major causes of the challenge; population pressure, topography, poor distribution of water infrastructure, lack of technological capacity, weak sectorial coordination, and insufficient financial resource are some of the main undermining root causes. According to the survey results, the insufficient and interrupted water supply, poor quality and lack of proper distribution are raised due to difficulties in and administration problems. This study has attempted to examine the water supply and distribution scenario of Burayu Town. The water demand of the town is increasing due to urbanization and population growth.Better coordination between the different stakeholders, for instance, there is lack of coordination between the water sector, telecommunication department and the road authority; because of this, water pipes are frequently damaged during activities such as laying down telephone and internet lines, and during road construction.