Problems Of Rural Water Supplies In A Developing Economy: Case Studies Of Anambra and Imo States of Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Over 75% of the population of Anambra and Imo States live in rural communities and this is projected to remain so until the end of the century. Most of these rural communities do not have modern water facilities. They depend on traditional sources that are generally of questionable quality, insufficient quantity and often liable to seasonal failures. Waterborne diseases, sometimes in an acute form, are therefore endemic in many of the rural areas. In order to solve this problem, a reliable and consistent low cost water supply scheme based on the available water resources in the communities must be designed and constructed. In this study three types of such schemes are developed. The first uses rainwater, the second, surface water, and the third relies on ground water. Areas where each of these schemes may be developed have been indicated. Comparative cost analysis indicates that schemes using ground water have a cost advantage over those using rainwater or surface water. It also shows that boreholes equipped with handpumps or improved/sanitary wells are more economic than those with motorized pumps for rural populations of less than 2,000 inhabitants.