Stakeholder involvement in the operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems in Salima district, Malawi

Abstract

A stakeholder analysis was conducted to examine the role of stakeholders' involvement in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of boreholes at traditional authority Ndindi in Salima district. Data was collected using a household survey questionnaire, stakeholder interview questionnaire, focus group discussions with water point committees and community leaders, key informants interviews, document review and observation. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis, thematic analysis, and descriptive analysis. The findings demonstrated that the majority of the community members were not involved in decision-making during borehole initiation, choosing water supply technology, deciding alternative borehole locations and setting up a maintenance fund. Stakeholder analysis indicated that the majority of stakeholders (55%, n =11) levels of interest and influence were different. In addition, the level of involvement for most of the stakeholders (6, n =11) was co-working, meaning they can participate and actively get involved in the O&M of boreholes. Furthermore, out of the six key stakeholders in O&M of boreholes, the district council had a big role to play in O&M of boreholes which included WPCs training, coordination, conducting maintenance, spare parts supply chain, borehole monitoring and financing O&M. However, it was established that the district council do not fully perform their roles on the ground just like other key stakeholders. Additionally, the study demonstrated that borehole functionality was high where the level of stakeholders' involvement in the O&M of the borehole was also high. Overall, it was concluded that stakeholder involvement in borehole O&M is weak. To ensure effective stakeholder collaboration and functionality of the boreholes, there is a need to strengthen the involvement of stakeholders in O&M by fully involving communities in decision-making and managing stakeholders’ interests and influence. Furthermore, there is a need to develop a functional O&M Framework that clearly defines stakeholders’ roles.