Going to scale with rural water supply: A reflection on experiences from sustaining community managed piped water schemes in rural Zimbabwe

Abstract

Access to safely managed water is a basic human right, yet rural water supply still remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. This study sought to assess sustainability of community managed piped water schemes developed under the rural WASH program as a model for rural water supply. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the collection of data. The program developed 33 schemes out of which 36.4% have since broken down. System failure is high amongst diesel and electricity powered schemes compared to solar powered. Alarmingly, all the schemes have water point committees set up and trained with support from the project. The current status-quo therefore reflects a capacity gap amongst the set water point committees. In many cases they have failed to operationalize the water fund, institute water demand management, support and retain pump operatives. Moving forward, the sector therefore needs to adopt a demand responsive approach when targeting schemes for rehabilitation. This will help address structural issues in the management of the schemes like social capital, ownership of the investment and cost recovery. Government should also consider going to scale with the solar powered schemes which are seemingly resilient and compatible with the community based management system.