RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES FUNCTIONALITY STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN GURSUM WOREDA, EAST HARARGHE ZONE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

Background: A high rate of non-functionality status of the water supply schemes developed has been observed both at the national and regional levels, implying a negative impact on the country’s water supply and sanitation coverage. If the causes of this higher non-functionality status are known, the problem can be minimised by undertaking the appropriate interventions in the sector in the Woreda. Objective: The main objective of this study is thus to assess the status of functionality and associated factors of rural water supply schemes in Gursum woreda from March20th to May30th , 2023. Methods and Materials:Cross-sectional design using mixed quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was applied. A sampling procedure with both probability and non-probability sampling method was used to identify 120 water points. The numerical part of the data had been analyzed using Epi Data version 4.6 after reviewing and checking data exported to SPSS version 23 statistical software and for analysis and the result has been presented through tables, graphs and charts and the word parts in the narration form. Result: The study found that 85(70.83.7%) were functional and 35(29.17%) non-functional and evaluated the functionality status using water quantity(16 lcpd),accessibility(750m distance and 45 min queing time) and reliability(42.75 % service interruption) indicators, identify determinant factors affecting rural water supply schemes functionality status scores 3.22;out of 120 schemes studied 89(74.17%) of them were potentially good. Conclusion: This study concludes that lack of community participation during planning, technology selection and post construction management, limited ability in managing their water supply schemes, the absence of relevant training and technical experts at the community level, inaccessibility lack of affordable of hand tools, spare parts at the community level are major factors affecting functionality. Moreover, some wells were failed to function due to low yield seasonal variation, and lack of drinking water for domestic animals during dry seasons and nonfunctionally have affected the adequacy of the water supply in the study community. For operation and maintenance, the money collected from the community should be managed properly furthermore the survey showed that the beneficiary requires different support from stakeholders to enhances functionality status of rural water supply schemes.