Assessment Of Urban Water Supply And Sanitation Practices: A Case Study Of Guder Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Supplying of safe drinking water and access to good sanitation is a worldwide concern, particularly, in towns and cities of developing nations. The goal of this research is to learn more about the sanitation and home drinking water delivery systems in the town of Guder, West Shawa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The availability of safe drinking water and sanitation is a critical issue globally, particularly in towns and cities in developing nations. This study investigates the accessibility of safe drinking water and sanitation services in Guder, a town located in the West Shawa Zone of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The research employs a combination of household surveys, key informant interviews, expert interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect primary data, with secondary data from gray literature and published documents providing additional insights. The study finds that accessibility to water is limited due to several factors, including a scarcity of water supply (with only 56% of the 24,334 households having piped water connections), the high cost of water connections, and delays in the construction process. Moreover, water supply interruptions were reported frequently, with 68% of respondents experiencing disruptions 2-3 times per week. The town also faces significant challenges in waste disposal, lacking an adequate waste management system or sewerage infrastructure. As a result, liquid waste is often discharged into open ditches, rivers, and public spaces, exacerbating environmental and public health concerns. The study also examines the community's capacity and willingness to contribute to improving the water supply system. Preliminary findings suggest that there is limited financial capacity within the community, and external support from local authorities or non-governmental organizations is crucial for implementing sustainable solutions. Finally, poor community participation in water supply and sanitation efforts is linked to ineffective coordination and a lack of support from municipal authorities, further hindering progress in addressing these critical issues