Abstract:
Universal access to and use of clean water has significant impact on improving public health, spur economic development, and reduce poverty. The main objective of this study was to investigate the rural water supply systems with case study in Midakegn woreda, in west-central Ethiopia. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Eight sample water schemes were selected from four kebeles and totally 164 representative households were identified as sample size. Key informant interviews and group discussions were also conducted. The study assessed issues such as sustainability status of the schemes in terms of gender balance, activity level of water users’ committee, users’ participation, governance, users’ satisfaction, payment for the service, accounting records, financial
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durability, repair service and functionality of the scheme. Estimating users’ willingness to pay for improved drinking water supply and identifying its affecting factors was also main focus of the study. The findings indicated that sustainability issue remains main challenge of the sector in the study area as only two of eight water schemes were found on sustainability possible threshold level. Mean willingness to pay of respondents for a jarican of improved water was found to be 0.19 Birr with average households’ daily water consumption of 52.9 litters which is far below national standard of 20 litters per person per day. Among factors affecting willingness to pay for improved drinking water supply sex of respondent, availability of alternative water source and initial bid offered for respondent were significant and negatively related to WTP. Whereas educational level of respondent, total time needed to fetch water and gross annual income of the household were also significant and positively affecting users’ willingness to pay.
