THE NECESSITY OF TRANSFERRING MANAGEMENT TO WATER USERS ASSOCIATION IN WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION APPROACH

摘要

The countries in arid and semi arid areas suffer from fresh water shortage and they need to have specific strategies in order to use the limited available fresh water judiciously and efficiently. Based on studies and experiences on the ways for optimum use of water resources, it can be said that peoples’ awakening and participation are the keys in this endeavour. Farmers’ participation is needed not only for their financial commitment but also to ensure their involvement at all stages of planning, implementation and operation of the network. Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) are one of the forms of popular organizations, with plenty of features for role playing in a relatively smaller, and hence, manageable scales of water resources development and management, particularly in the agriculture sector. The role of WUAs is very important because they can create real value of water and protect its quality. Involvement of WUAs in decision-making processes is essential to prevent conflicts and social barriers. No government agency can effectively take up their role.