CHALLENGES OF POTABLE WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN LOKA ABAYA WOREDA, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the challenges of potable water management practices in Loka Abaya Woreda, Sidama Regional State. A cross-sectional research design with a mixed-methods approach was employed. 192 households were selected using stratified random sampling. The data collected through the questionnaire were cleaned, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The analysis used percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviations, and chi-square tests. The data collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed qualitatively using narrative analysis to enhance triangulation. The results indicated that piped water was the primary source of water for households in the study area. Family size, distance, and income had a significant effect on household water consumption. The majority of respondents were not satisfied with the existing water supply. That means the Loca Abaya Woreda water supply cannot meet the community's water demand with its existing capacity. As a result, the community faces problems such as health issues, spending significant time collecting water, high water costs, poor sanitation, and conflicts. These challenges result from urbanization, population growth, low water pressure, and poor water system maintenance.