This is an assessment conducted in South Ari Woreda, Ethiopia, identified critical challenges in maintaining rural water schemes and highlighted interventions to strengthen maintenance services. The assessment employed document reviews and interviews with key informants at woreda and kebele levels.
| Title | Rural water scheme maintenance capacity assessment in South Ari |
| Publication Type | Case Study |
| Year of Publication | 2023 |
| Authors | Mussa, ME, Dejenu, NG, Boru, GL |
| Pagination | 10 p. : 1 fig. |
| Date Published | 10/2023 |
| Publisher | IRC WASH Ethiopia |
| Place Published | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Publication Language | English |
| Abstract | This assessment was conducted in South Ari Woreda to identify the primary challenges experienced in maintaining the woreda's rural water schemes and to highlight the key interventions required to strengthen maintenance services. The assessment employed various data collection methods, including document reviews and interviews with key informants at the woreda and kebele levels. The findings reveal that the South Ari Woreda Water, Mines and Energy Office oversees 192 water supply schemes, predominantly utilising low-cost technologies that necessitate regular follow-up. While these schemes are relatively straightforward to maintain, caretakers require proper training and incentives to maintain their dedication. Refresher training has been lacking since 2019, and the woreda water office fails to monitor the status or needs of caretakers. The water scheme maintenance enterprise has become unprofitable due to insufficient support from woreda job creation and water office, coupled with a lack of immediate profit. Without adequate technical staff, regular caretaker training, and solutions to the enterprise's challenges, it is impossible to meet maintenance requirements and ensure the sustainability of these water schemes, particularly considering the topographic challenges of the South Ari Woreda. |
