The management factors influencing sustainability of community water projects in Tharaka Central Division, Tharaka South District.

Abstract

Community water Projects and particularly boreholes are a major source of water for domestic and livestock in Tharaka South District. Many of these water projects are done by Government and Donor agencies. Due to the cost involves in undertaking these project are completed. They are handled to the communities for management. However communities often face challenges in the endeavor of sustainably managing these facilities. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which benefit sharing influences sustainability of community water project, establish the extent to which capacity building influences sustainability of community water project, investigate the extent to which members participation influences sustainability of community water project. The study adopted descriptive survey approach, where a Questionnaires were administer to project water committees Chairpersons, secretaries, treasurers and committee members to seek their opinion on the management factors. The data collected was proceed and analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Technique and the finding presented in frequencies and percentages. The key finding of the study shows that Governance, capacity building, benefit sharing, conflict resolution, member’s participation and communication are a factor influencing sustainability of community water project. The study conclude that there management factors indeed influence the sustainability of community water project. The study recommends to the Government to come up with clear polities on these management agencies in Development of community water project intentions to mainstream the concerns of the management factors initiation of the project to enhance the sustainability of community water project. The study recommences further research to be done in the area of influence of technology and influence of gender in the sustainability of community water projects.