Role Of Information Communication Technologies In Water Management

Abstract

Kenya has low levels of water access whereas the demand for water services continues to rise largely as a result of the increasing population. Nairobi which is the capital city of Kenya, only 50 per cent of the population has direct access to piped water. The rest obtain water from kiosks, vendors and illegal connections. Of the existing customers, about 40 per cent receive water on the 24-hour basis. The low access levels have increased pressure to manage the country's water resources more efficiently and ensure that water services are availed equitably among the diverse uses. The purpose of this study was to establish the role ICTs can play in managing the water resources and services efficiently. The study adopted descriptive census design. The response rate for the target population was 83% which is statistically significant to analyze the data. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that Billing System, Meter Reading System, Financial Management system, Procurement system and the Dam Monitoring System were the main ICT applications used in water management. Further the study established that limited staff skills, limited resources (finance), lack of customized applications, lack of detailed top level management support and appreciation of the role of ICT by other departments were main challenges facing the implementation of ICT applications in the company. The study identified; quality management, water supply chain monitoring, mapping of water supply stations using GIS and customer management to be the priority functions in water management where ICT applications are required most. Keywords: GIS, SCADA, water resource management, mobile applications, water sensors, smart pipes, smart meters