Factors influencing the sustainability of community water projects run by Grundfos lifelink-Kenya: a case of Katitika Water project, Eastern province-Kenya

Abstract

Community water projects have improved on the lives of people especially women and children who are mainly expected to fetch water. The most important one is the reduction in time and energy spent while drawing water. Communities invest heavily in water projects and when a project collapses' it's a major loss of resources. There is however gap between the level of investment by communities in water projects and the sustainability of the same projects. This study investigated the factors that influence the sustainability of water projects run by Gundfos lifelink -Kenya, a case of Katitika community water project. Specifically, the study investigated how independent variables such as financial status of the community, management services, maintenance services and technology and innovation had an influence on sustainability of the water projects. A descriptive survey design was used with a sample size of 96 drawn from the project members, committee members and opinion leaders selected using the Yamane formulae.

Questionnaires with both closed and open ended questions were used to collect data. Observation was also used. The findings have shown that most members are comfortable with the new technology and the innovation which reduces their expenditure and ensures accountability since there is no exchange of hard cash which contributed towards sustainability. The study too revealed that the community members saw the new technology as a means of saving time and energy for other economic activities. The study recommends that at least the company should ensure that one of the community members is trained on maintenance of the project. The study concludes that with technology, innovation and accountability most community water projects would be sustainable.