Abstract:
It is impossible to yield maintenance free water supply schemes, but rehabilitation
work can be reduced by good design and appropriate skill. There is a gap for defects
free and sustainable water supply in rural areas of Gurage and Halaba. Thus, the
objective of this study was to assess the defects maintenance management practice for
rural water supply facilities in Gurage and Halaba zones. The researcher use a
descriptive survey study design. Two stages conducted for decision regarding sampling
procedures and sample Size. For the selection of woreda stratified sampling method was
used. Household survey was conducted from 27 water supply schemes and 256 sample
households selected . Members of the water committee and representatives from the
kebele administration participated in six focus groups and 10 observational case studies
were conducted at different water points. The method of analyzing regarding defects
part of collected data was based on ranking. A combination of quantitative and
qualitative methods was used for analysis of management and maintenance part. The
method used for data analysis was simple description: like percentage, average, standard
deviation, tabulation and charts (figures). According to survey result: defects of pump
ranked at first. The study revealed that there is lack of finances for operation and
maintenance services and most of the water facilities were semi functional with
frequency of some times with some problems . The study revealed that majority of the
users did not participate adequately especially during planning phases. There is a gap in
selection of WASHCO. There is major gap of spare availability and the cost of spare
parts could not be affordable for community. The study revealed that maintenance type
was Un-scheduled maintenance. Based on the case study of selected rural water supply
schemes the major gabs include: Pump related defect, the construction is not friendly for
children and lack of experienced technicians.
