In February 2008, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) through its Directorate of Water Development (DWD) signed a Contract with Socio-Economic Data Centre Ltd (SEDC) in which the latter was tasked to undertake a review of the Umbrella Organisations Model of operation and maintenance of piped water supply schemes in Small Towns and Rural Growth Centres (RGCs). The results of this study are anticipated to provide input in decision-making on the strategy for ensuring continued operation and maintenance (O&M) of constructed water facilities.
PROJECT TITLE
Feasibility review of the umbrella organisations model of operation and maintenance of Small Towns and RGC water supply and sanitation systems
To review and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the umbrella model; assess its financial viability and sustainability with a medium and long-term perspective; compare it to alternative approaches to achieve O&M sustainability; and provide recommendations on the status and functions of umbrella organisations
i. To ascertain the extent to which the objectives of the umbrella organizations have been achieved
ii. To analyze the extent the services by umbrella organizations have been delivered
iii. To investigate possible strengths and limitations in the attainment of anticipated results of umbrella organizations
iv. To document the extent of implementation of activities performed by umbrella organizations
The study adopted a comparative study design in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Umbrella Model. A comparison was made between schemes that were members of the Umbrella organizations with those which were not in the same regions. The aspects that were compared included efficiency, effectiveness, financial viability, and sustainability of both umbrella and non-umbrella schemes. Methods of data collection included desk review, in-depth interviews with key informants and consultative meetings with members of Joint Water and Sanitation Sector Program Support on policy and technical matters
