Assessment of Factors Affecting Maintenance of Rural Water Supply Schemes in Kilolo District, Tanzania

A Case of Kipaduka Water Scheme

Abstract

In rural Tanzania, although considerable efforts have been made to improve and expand access to domestic water supply, many Tanzanian rural communities still suffer from inadequate and lack of safe drinking water. This research work intended to assess the factors affecting maintenance of rural water supply schemes. A mixed method research approach was adopted whereby both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the field data collection and analysis so as to enhance reliability and validity of the results. Secondary data was obtained through a detailed literature review. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data. The study findings indicated that maintenance of the Kipaduka water supply scheme is affected by factors related to financial, technical, cost recovery, community support, and spare parts. The paper concluded that local government should budget for technical support, spare parts and conduct refresher training courses to community management members for Kipaduka water supply scheme.