Performance of private sponsors towards sustainable piped water supply in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper evaluated performance of private sponsor's in implementing piped water supply schemes through partnership approach in rural villages of Bangladesh. Structured questionnaire were administered and collected data by using an interview method from 21 scheme mangers. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Time, cost and efficiency were used as evaluation criteria for both implementation and operation period. The study findings revealed widespread incompetence of sponsors in preparing project proposals. Time spent for construction shows 19% (4 sponsors) complete earlier than planned/required completion period; and 29% (6 sponsors) within the stipulated time whereas, remaining 52% (11 sponsors) with some delay. 5% (1) sponsor started commercial operation with 100% connections whereas, 10% (2), 25% (5) and 15% (3) commissioned the scheme with 60%, 50% and 40% of their target connections. 35% (7) of the sponsors operated their schemes with profit. This planning and management approach may be suitable for implementing sustainable rural piped water supply schemes in countries with similar context like Bangladesh.