Assessment of Performance of Functional and Partial Functional Water Supply Systems in Sunsari District of Nepal

Abstract

Only 25.4% of water supply projects are fully functional in Nepal though the target of government is to provide access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities for all. Therefore a study for comparing the performance of the functional (Itahari) and partial functional (Duhabi) water supply and sanitation project after management transfer is needed to assess the indicators to improve the status of water supply and sanitation projects. Both the projects are of Sunsari district. Purposive Sampling technic was applied based on sample size of central limit theorem. Scheduled Questionnaire Survey, Expert Consultation, Focus Group Discussion and Water Sample Test were done for primary source of data whereas reports. Journals, project reports, similar studies, books, websites and audit reports were reviewed for secondary source of data. Comparative performance of both the projects was analyzed based on technical, financial and institutional indicators. From the study it was found that pressure of flow, water demand of users, chlorine demand, and quick response of staffs, water quality and open defecation free were maintained at Itahari whereas such features were lacking in Duhabi Water Supply and Sanitation Project. It was found high tariff rate, timely payment and a business plan of Itahari WSSP was better resulting into better financial performance of the system in comparison to that of Duhabi. Based on policy in both water supply and sanitation projects 33% of women along with a vital post and marginalize group based on service area representation were found. In Itahari Water Supply Project, for per thousand of connection 3.66 staffs were appointed whereas in partial functional Duhabi Water Supply System 1.91 staffs were found for per thousand connections. Itahari WSSP had maintained a citizen charter, complaint box, information system, detailed design report, As Built Drawings, Standard Operating Process and project information’s were documented which causes the management of the system effective for implementation of reliable and satisfactory of the system whereas these things need to be improved in case of Duhabi for creating the confidence about the service.