Abstract:
Background: A high rate of non-functionality status of the water supply schemes developed has
been observed both at the national and regional levels, implying a negative impact on the
country’s water supply and sanitation coverage. If the causes of this higher non-functionality
status are known, the problem can be minimised by undertaking the appropriate interventions in
the sector in the Woreda.
Objective: The main objective of this study is thus to assess the status of functionality and
associated factors of rural water supply schemes in Gursum woreda from March20th
to May30th
,
2023.
Methods and Materials:Cross-sectional design using mixed quantitative and qualitative data
collection methods was applied. A sampling procedure with both probability and non-probability
sampling method was used to identify 120 water points. The numerical part of the data had been
analyzed using Epi Data version 4.6 after reviewing and checking data exported to SPSS version
23 statistical software and for analysis and the result has been presented through tables, graphs
and charts and the word parts in the narration form.
Result: The study found that 85(70.83.7%) were functional and 35(29.17%) non-functional and
evaluated the functionality status using water quantity(16 lcpd),accessibility(750m distance and
45 min queing time) and reliability(42.75 % service interruption) indicators, identify
determinant factors affecting rural water supply schemes functionality status scores 3.22;out of
120 schemes studied 89(74.17%) of them were potentially good.
Conclusion: This study concludes that lack of community participation during planning, technology
selection and post construction management, limited ability in managing their water supply
schemes, the absence of relevant training and technical experts at the community level, inaccessibility
lack of affordable of hand tools, spare parts at the community level are major factors affecting
functionality. Moreover, some wells were failed to function due to low yield seasonal variation,
and lack of drinking water for domestic animals during dry seasons and nonfunctionally have
affected the adequacy of the water supply in the study community. For operation and
maintenance, the money collected from the community should be managed properly furthermore
the survey showed that the beneficiary requires different support from stakeholders to enhances
functionality status of rural water supply schemes.
