PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness of the CBMS for rural water facilities by identifying the strengths that can be built on, documenting best practices and weaknesses that need to be addressed. The study also aimed at generating recommendations for improvement of CBMS and to inform updating the National Framework for Sustainable O&M of Rural Water Facilities, which was prepared in 2004

OBJECTIVES / QUESTIONS

(i) Assess the functioning of the current CBMS for RWS facilities by:
• Identifying and analyzing the contributing factors and constraints to sustainable O&M of installed water facilities at various levels including community, WUCs, technicians especially HPMs, local governments (LGs), Central Government etc.
• Documenting at least four relevant case studies with different approaches to O&M and their implication on the sustainability of CBMS.
• Documenting the role of women in the CBMS and assess how it can be used to ensure sustainability decision-making process in the rural water supply services.
• Establishing how vulnerable groups (poor, women, children and people with disabilities) are catered for in getting access to water when enforcing user contribution/charges;
(ii) Recommend, on the basis of the findings ways of improving the effectiveness and sustainability of the CBMS for rural water facilities.
(iii) Review and update the National Framework for sustainable O&M of rural water services.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study design utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted in the execution of this study. Quantitative methods included the use of structured questionnaires with water user committees, water source caretakers and technicians (Hand pump mechanics, Plumbers, Gravity flow c attendants and Masons). These were supplemented with a desk review of documents as well as key informant interviews, focus group discussions and case studies

PROJECT ATTACHMENTS