The role of the millennium challenge corporation compact project in improving equitable access to domestic water in Mtendere, Lusaka Zambia.
Date
2024
Authors
Dimuna, Majory
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Water is an essential component of life such that its sustainable supply is a global concern. Zambia is one of the developing countries working towards meeting the sustainable development goal number 6 by the year, 2030. The Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact project (MCC) is one of the projects designed towards this goal. The MCC focused on water supply and sanitation infrastructure investment and institutional strengthening in Lusaka, institutions like Lusaka city council and Lusaka water supply and Sanitation Company. This study was conducted to investigate the role of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Project in improving equitable access to domestic water in Mtendere, Lusaka Zambia. Grounded on the principles of constructivism theory, the study applied a mixed method approach with both qualitative and quantitative analysis through the convergent parallel research design. Stratified sampling method was used to select 170 households from section; 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Mtendere East targeting household heads or available senior household members aged 18 years and above. Purposive sampling method was used to select four key informants; Area Councilor, 2 Officials from Lusaka water supply and sanitation company Mtendere branch, and 1 Official from Millennium Project Completion Agency. Semi-structured researcher administered questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents in Mtendere East while open – ended interview guides were used to collect data from key informants. Qualitative data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics with the aid of STATA version 14 software and Microsoft Excel. The study found that before the MCC Compact project, the majority of the respondents used borehole water as their source of domestic water. Before the MCC Compact project, most households in Mtendere East hard no water and sanitation infrastructure. The study found that the current domestic tap - water supply in Mtendere East is considerably adequate with a few challenges of intermittent water supply and water shortage caused by inadequate water infrastructure and minor vandalism in some areas. The study also found that people in Mtendere East perceive the MCC Project to be a success, effective albeit with minor challenges such as higher water bills, water shortages and vandalism of water infrastructure. Residents of Mtendere East, except in section 10, have adequate domestic tap - water supply. The MCC Compact project provided and improved water and sanitation infrastructure though some residents still experience water shortage of which they use water sources such as boreholes and shallow wells. The study proposes that LWSC should conduct timely water and sanitation infrastructure maintenance in Mtendere.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science Degree in Geography.