Performance Report for FY 2009/10 - UWASNET

6 Challenges and
recommendations
6.1 Introduction
Performance Report for FY 2009/10
In the course of implementing their programmes and projects, NGOs and CBOs meet a number
of challenges. Some are unique to particular organisations (like high staff turn-over forexample)
while others cut across the board within the sub-sector or within a particular region. This chapter
presents major challenges that, in some cases, need a review of the existing related policy
provision. Also presented in the chapter are some key lessons learnt and recommendations.
6.2 Challenges
A number of challenges have either been met or observed during the FY 2009/10.
6.2.1 Inadequate household income and the CBMS
In Northern Uganda in particular and other areas of country in general, the family income is
still very low for the majority of Ugandan families. This raises the challenges for CBMS for
rural water sources that demands that communities make contribution to buy spares parts,
to replace broken or worn-off parts as well as pay the HPM who conducts repairs. Although
there is no empirical data to back up the argument, field reports indicate that lack of ability to
pay compromises the effectiveness of the CBMS with the result that functionality of developed
water supply sources is still below acceptable levels. The challenge of lack of ability to pay is
compounded by the reduction in the drive to offer voluntary work (See Box 6.1 on sustainability
issues). For rural piped water systems, a cost tracking study indicated that although the
communities may meet the cost of operating the systems, additional cost are necessary to
covers replacements and renovation that are necessary after a few years of operation, and
that are often beyond the capacity of the community and to cover the costs related to direct
support as in follow up visits, community mobilisation, capacity building of committees and
water seminars/training of management committees (see Case Study 6.1 Costs tracking of
rural water projects)
6.2.2 Supply chain for construction equipment and materials
Accessing construction equipment and materials poses a challenge while delivering WASH
services especially under the self-supply initiative. In Bugiri for example, communities would
wish to construct rainwater tanks but they are hampered by lack of basic construction materials
like gutters that can only be accessed from relatively large towns. As is the case in stocking
of the spare parts for handpumps, business entrepreneurs are hesitant to stock materials
that are likely to stay in stock for a long time. The challenge is creating enough demand
for such materials and to interest businesses to stock the relevant materials. An associated
challenge is accessing materials to set up demonstrations as a way of generating demand for
the technology uptake.
73 | NGOs in the Ugandan Water and Sanitation Sector