Understanding the policy and strategy framework for the sustainable provision of piped water services for rural, small and medium towns in Ethiopia – the case of Itang town water and sewerage utility

The desire to attain long-term sustainability of water supply services calls for a better understanding of the relationship between improved operations and maintenance practices, and the effectiveness and sustainability of water supply services. Policies and strategy frameworks play a critical role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supply and management services. Indeed, to achieve the targets of the SDGs, more focus on the longer-term sustainable management of water service provision is recommended, which demands a shift towards enhanced water sector governance, strong political will, an enhanced enabling environment, and stronger institutions, among other shifts (World Bank, 2017).

This research study, the Itang case study in Gambella, Ethiopia, therefore looks at what facilitative policies and frameworks are in place to support improved service delivery and ensure the sustainability of the Itang water supply system. In order to consider the various arguments about sustainable water supply delivery services, a review of the Itang water utility governance structure and the level of service provision was undertaken as part of this research. The study also reviewed the level of implementation of the various policies, strategies and frameworks for the Itang water supply model and identified further framework and policy areas that are required to improve the sustainability of the water supply systems and services. The information obtained from this study will help the actors of Itang and Gambella water sector to align the operation and maintenance (O&M) policies and frameworks and help prioritize improvements towards sustainable and reliable water service provision. Indeed, this report will therefore contribute significantly to the knowledge base on policies and strategy frameworks, not only supporting the sustainability of the Itang town water and sewerage utility service delivery model in Gambella, Ethiopia, but also similar integrated water service management models globally.

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