Rethinking the sustainability of rural water delivery under the community ownership and management model

摘要

Abstract Community ownership and management (COM) is, without a doubt, a viable alternative for rural water management. However, the extent to which communities control their water supply infrastructure in terms of engaging in crucial decisions and the performance of all stakeholders along the service delivery chain—from national to community levels—continues to be a challenge. The goal of this research is to add to the conversation on COM by clarifying the paradigm and its implications for the long-term viability of rural water services. It is also expected to spark debate in the rural water sector and, in turn, influence a revision of the National Community Water and Sanitation Programme to reflect current needs. The study looked at how the COM model of rural water provision was implemented. Using focus groups and surveys, the study used a non-probability purposive sample technique to identify stakeholders at the regional, district, and community levels. The paper discovers and suggests that COM has been the least responsive to rural water service sustainability. In actuality, at all stages of the delivery chain, there is a flagrant disregard for clearly stated functions in sector manuals. Regional and district players face logistical challenges, while community service providers struggle with governance, technical operations, and financial management. For effective and efficient management of water systems, more needs to be done by key stakeholders, including greater capacity support and oversight of service providers' activities, as well as engagement with partners.