A Comparative Study of Rural Drinking Water Supply Schemes in District Muzaffargarh, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparison between functional and non-functional rural drinking water supply schemes and to find out the reasons behind the non-functional rural drinking water supply schemes. For this purpose total 13 rural drinking water supply schemes (Functional 10 numbers out of 37 and Non Functional 03 out of 12) were randomly selected in study area. The respondents were the users of these water supply schemes and community based organizations (CBOs). The data were collected through comprehensive questionnaire. The total sample size was 169, out of that 130 respondents represented functional water supply schemes, whereas 39 respondents represented non-functional water supply schemes. The study showed that due to the installation of water supply schemes water borne diseases had been controlled and community improved their health as compared to the area where water supply schemes were found non-functional, as a result health of the inhabitants was poor.  Forty one percent respondents were using sweet water, 28% were using contaminated water and 31% were using brackish water before the installation of water supply schemes. The study showed that 88% water supply schemes were constructed on need based and 12% water supply schemes were not installed on need based. The main reason of the non-functioning of the water supply schemes was non-payment of WAPDA dues and power failure. The study recommended that there should be technical and financial assistance by the water and sanitation related institutions like Public Health Engineering Department and TMAs. NGOs should play their role regarding awareness campaigns, training related to management and health & hygiene practices.

Keywords: Rural, Drinking water, Supply schemes