This study on “effectiveness and efficiency of the operation and maintenance (O&M) system for sustainability of rural water supply (RWS) services in Uganda and Tanzania†was commissioned by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in August 2013. The study was undertaken against the background that plans to upgrade the RWS facilities to deliver intermediate level of service have been hindered by low access and sustainability of the existing water services.
PROJECT TITLE
A Study on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Operation and Maintenance System for Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Services in Uganda and Tanzania
To capture key successes and challenges of the O&M systems for RWS facilities in Uganda and Tanzania through analysis of the O&M framework, mechanisms and practices, and propose options for improving sustainability in both countries
• To review/update the O&M framework and past reports in Uganda that relate to O&M and sustainability of RWS
• To identify key factors for RWS O&M success and weaknesses in Uganda
• To generate recommendations for improving water supply services functionality
• To review and undertake an assessment of the O&M Framework in Tanzania
• To propose feasible O&M option for Tanzania based on analysis of O&M Framework of RWS services in Uganda
The study was undertaken from September through November 2013 in Uganda and Tanzania targeting key stakeholders involved in RWS provision and O&M at national and local levels. Data collection involved an extensive desk review of relevant policy and programme documents on both countries and from other countries in order to capture best practices and lessons. The desk review was supplemented with key informant interviews at the national level and scaled-down field visits to four districts in Uganda, namely, Lira, Serere, Kabarole and Luwero and three regions in Tanzania i.e., Morogoro, Iringa and Dodoma. .
