Factors affecting sustainability of public urban water points in Uganda: A case study of Fort Portal Municipality, Kabarole District

Abstract

This study set out to examine the factors affecting sustainability of urban public water points in Uganda with a case study of Fort Portal Municipal Council, Kabarole district. Objectives of the study were to examine the effect of: policy framework; financial aspects; technology; and the moderating effect of the economic status on sustainability of public water points in Fort Portal Municipal Council, Kabarole District. The study deployed a cross-sectional research design which observed a sample of 105 using interview guides, observation check lists and self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients, which establishes bi-variate relationships in terms of significance and direction of the relationships between study variables, regression, which determines the predictive strength of the independent variables on the dependent variable and finally simple frequencies were used to know the nature of the sample. The findings indicated significant effects of policy frame work and technical aspects which affect sustainability of urban public water points in Fort Portal Municipal Council (FPMC).The study recommended that the national and institutional frameworks for water governance should be reviewed to strengthen issues of prioritisation, roles of stakeholders and operation and maintenance with clear funding sources. There is also need to strengthen community based monitoring to supplement on government efforts and also involve community members in the privatization process. Financing for operation and maintenance needs to be availed to urban areas and tariffs reviewed to enable the urban poor access water services.