| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to examine the relationship between community participation and
operation and maintenance (O&M) of piped water supply systems in small towns in
Eastern Uganda. Its objectives included: (i) finding out the relationship between level of
community participation in planning and O&M of the water systems, (ii) establishing the
relationship between level of community participation in implementation and O&M of
the water systems, and (iii) determining the relationship between level of community
participation in monitoring and O&M of the water systems. Using a cross-sectional
survey design, data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation.
Results showed a significant positive relationship between level of community
participation in planning and O&M (r = 0.667, p = 0.035), a significant positive
relationship between level of community participation in implementation and O&M (r =
0.592, p = 0.018), and a significant positive relationship between level of community
participation in monitoring and O&M (r = 0.481, p = 0.022). The conclusion is that
increasing the level of community participation in planning, implementation, and
monitoring of piped water supply systems, would improve the O&M of the water systems
in the study areas. Thus, the study recommends listening to members’ views, respecting
their preferences and equipping them with necessary information for making informed
decisions related to the water systems; establishing proper accountability mechanisms,
economically empowering community members and compensating members for
sacrificing resources towards implementing water projects; and designating specific
agreeable times/days for inspecting water systems and effectively addressing water
system mul-functionality issues raised by community members respectively. | en_US |
