Serviceability Assessment of Water Supply & Its Infrastructure and Associated Challenges for providing Safe Drinking Water in Ethiopia-Gimbi Town

Abstract

The development of infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth and development of countries. The objective of this study was to assess the serviceability of water supply & its infrastructure and associated challenges for providing safe drinking water in Ethiopia-Gimbi town. The research design was descriptive type and the related data was both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained from sample of 219 households, 7 officials and professionals of water office. Samples were drawn, using simple random from the sample frame. Moreover, the water supply infrastructure were observed and photographed and included. Analyses were done by using SPSS and presented by percentage, tables, and charts. The study has confirmed that Gimbi town is facing water supply service problem. The survey result showed that the water produced only covers 30.39% of the demand. Even if private meter connection is taken as best standards of water supply, the connection for residential consumer is only 22.57%. Furthermore, all areas could not get equal and proportional service. As a result, they are exposed to unprotected sources. The cumulative effect of the existing situations decreased the daily average consumption of pipe water to 6.08 liters per person per day. The study also identified population growth, inadequate source, frequent interruption, unaccounted-for water (41.25%), lack of sufficient funding and capacity, lack of standby diesel generator and limited stakeholders’ participation as challenges. The paper recommends interventions to overcome water scarcity. These include: exploring additional source, redesigning distribution system, encouraging capacity building for staffs, having standby diesel generator, carrying out appropriate operation and maintenance, introducing rainwater harvesting program, launching appropriate water infrastructural assets management, using water reservoir, promoting stakeholders’ participation to improve the problems.

Keywords: Accessibility; Affordability; Adequate Water Supply; Infrastructure; Interruption; Meter Connection; Pipe Water; Safe Drinking Water; Unaccounted-for Water.

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/11-5-02

Publication date:May 31^st 2021