Diagnosing Corruption in Ethiopia - Ethiomedia

Box 4.5 (continued)
Rural Water Supply Corruption in Ethiopia 153
Box Figure 4.5.1 Cost Breakdown for Shallow and Deep Boreholes in
Ethiopia
other
materials 14%
mobilization 4%
shallow borehole
(average cost US$3,700)
a. Only two deep boreholes in sample
development
and testing 6%
other
materials 7%
casing 27% casing 42%
drilling 49%
mobilization 5%
drilling 39%
deep borehole a
(average cost US$15,000)
development
and testing 7%
box figure 4.5.1). This material is already some of the cheapest available (at US$15
per meter), so substitution to save money is unlikely. Other materials used in the
construction of the borehole, such as washed river gravel and grout, are insignificant
costwise but essential for the reliability of the borehole and to ensure a safe
seal from contamination. If these materials are omitted, it is unlikely to happen on
cost (and hence corruption) grounds. A likelier explanation would involve poor
management in getting the materials to the site on time for construction.
What conclusions can be drawn? For shallow wells, the most likely corrupt
practice during construction is to drill short. This would allow significant savings
in both drilling costs and casing material. For example, drilling to 50 m instead of
60 m would save roughly 13 percent of contracted cost, amounting to $15,000 on
a contract for 30 boreholes using the cost data above. For deeper boreholes (over
60 m), although drilling short would still be the most effective way of saving
money, the cost of materials is more significant.
contrast to discussions about tendering and procurement, there was
broad consensus in the workshop around corruption risks in borehole
construction, which validated the findings of the construction and perception
surveys. In particular, areas of elevated (albeit low-to-medium)
risk focused on substandard construction and, related to this, weaknesses