Cost Analysis of Domestic Water Consumption in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

摘要

This paper studied the cost implication of domestic water consumption in connected and unconnected households to public water supply within Calabar Metropolis. Based on their political units, ten residential areas of Ikot Ansa, Essien Town, State I lousing, Big Qua, Akim Qua, Henshaw Town, Goldie, Atamunu, Mbukpa and Anantigha were randomly selected for the study as representative of the entire Calabar Urban. About 230 copies of questionnaire were administered to different heads of households and staff of the agency for public water supply. Out of this number, 200 copies were retrieved from respondents. Data were analyzed and presented in tables. From the result, it was discovered that, the unconnected households spend monthly average of between 9.3 dollars and use 564 litres of water as against 4.5 dollars and 741 litres consumed by connected residents. The unconnected households also cover distances between 250 and 500 metres far above threshold level of 100 metres to obtain the commodity for their usage. The uneven distribution of water supply mains, and low level of income of residents in some parts of the metropolis, restricts the supply of water in desired quantity to most urban dwellers. This is responsible for the low per capita consumption of 20 to 22 litres recorded. The study recommends increase in water pipeline densification across the city; the reduction of tariff charged consumers and the provision of additional standpipes at strategic locations to make the service rendered by municipal water board more sustainable.