ASSESSMENT OF DEFECTS MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE FOR RURAL WATER SUPPLY CONSTRUCTIONS IN HALABA AND GURAGE ZONE

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.