Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to assess fund utilization on One WaSH National Program
Consolidated WaSH Account (OWNP CWA) in Oromia Water Sector. This study adopted a
descriptive research design and purposive non-probability sampling technique. The target
population was a total of 36 employees working on OWNP-CWA in the five areas. This was
from BOWE, MOF, MOWE, BOFEC and RWCO (those who are working on the position of
financial specialist, Technical Specialist, procurement specialist, Internal Auditor and Human
Resources). The selection of the respondents was determined based on their high relation
with the program. Primary data was collected by distribution of questionnaires to 25
employees working in these five organizations. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of
the research data. The study revealed that (i). Budget dimensions have an effect on fund
utilization with the key assessment of : approved budget notification and on time
implementers, (ii) Community Contribution has direct relation with fund utilization with key
assessment of contribute their share on an appropriate time (iii) Cash flow and Disbursement
: fund is not released as per the program time schedule, delaying of fund release prolong the
payment process, (iv) Procurement factors have direct correlate to fund utilization with key
assessment of : prior review of bid document is consisted with many back and forth of the
same documents, No objection trend of procurement is time taking, delay in procurements,
(v) technical assessment has shown that it has an effect on the fund utilization: M&E did not
contribute enough determination to the program implementation, Continuous monitoring and
evaluation did not in place, Poor performance of contractors is resulted in poor
implementation, and (vi) finance factors: no a timely settlement of receivables, the program
did not be audited by internal Auditor. Therefore, it was recommended that: -Budget needs to
be notified, approved and implemented on time. That is - to facilitate smooth, proper and
timely utilization of OWNP-CWA fund, make awareness to community to facilitate their
contribution, recheck the cash flow arrangement, fill the gap of procurement process between
implementers and supervisory body (WB and MOWE) strengthen technical staffs via
equipping different packages and provide strict follow up of them. Furthermore, internal
auditors have to be conducted to enhance fund utilization and performance of the program.
Finally, this study increases new alertness into enhancing Fund Utilization of Programs.
