ASSESSMENT OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER POINTS IN KAPELBYONG SUB-COUNTY KAPELBYONG DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction: The functionality of water points remains a challenge in many districts of Uganda including Kapelbyong. Challenges around functionality of water points have remained despite the efforts put in place by both the government and the other development partners to address the gap Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the operation and maintenance of water points in Kapelbyong sub-county, Kapelbyong district, Uganda Methodology: This was a cross sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Water users (96) were interviewed from 8 sampled water points in 4 randomly selected parishes and 4 villages. Focus group discussions were conducted among 4 randomly selected water user committees and a checklist was used to assess the functionality of the water points. Data were collected using questionnaires for the water users, focus group discussion for the water user committee while sanitary inspection checklist for functionality of water points. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.0.2, cleaned and analysed using S TATA version 14. Descriptive analysis was done and data were presented using frequencies, percentages, tables, graphs and charts. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Dropped pipes were the major problem affecting water points (57.1%). Majority (94.9%) of the respondents reported to be having water user committees. A total of (58.8%) of the committee mobilized funds for maintenance. At least 51.5% of the community collected money for repairing the water source. Majority (84.5%) of the respondents reported that there was no trained hand pump mechanic in the whole sub-county. Performance of the water user committee was rated at 55%.

Conclusion: The operation and maintenance of water points in Kapelbyong sub-county is generally poor. Majority of the water user committees are not functional as Ad hoc committees are the order of the day in case of any operational and maintenance emergencies of the water points. There is therefore need to step up interventions to address the challenges