Challenges to Regular Urban Potable Water Supply in Africa: A Study of Enugu Metropolis in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Efforts by the Enugu State Government of Nigeria to priotize pipe-borne water supply to Enugu metropolis has not abated the irreggularity of potable water supply therein. The study is, therefore, aimed at identifying the challenges that hinder the Enugu State Water Corporation from supplying potable water on a regular basis to residents in Enugu metropolis, with a view to proffering solutions. Questionnaire was administered to 611 staff of the Enugu State Water Corporation to elicit information, which were analysed statistically for answers to the research questions. Findings showed the challenges to regular supply of pipe-borne water in Enugu metropolis were, among others, consumer unwillingness to pay water rates, operational constraints, inadequate funding, increasing population, political interference, irregular payment of staff salaries of Water Corporation, corrupt practice among staff of the Corporation, and lack of strategies for improving the supply of pipe-borne water in Enugu metropolis. Recommendations include, among others, adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.