Assessment of the performance of the Water Supply and Sanitation service provision in Lusaka, 2006-2011

Like in many counties, the provision of quality water supply and sanitation has been a major concern of the Zambian government and has received significant attention in terms of funding from governments and donor agencies with the aim of improving livelihoods. However, the actual delivery of water supply and sanitation services has generally not matched the concern, leaving gaps in effectiveness and consumer satisfaction. This research assessed performance of water supply and sanitation service provision in Lusaka District from 2006 to 2011, following the 1994 Water Sector Reforms in Zambia. The study covered a random sample of six community locations of Lusaka District representing high income, middle income and low income, respectively, namely Northmead and Handsworth, Chelstone and Kabwata, and Kalingalinga and Chaisa. Purposive selection of household respondents, service providers and other institutions with a stake in water supply and sanitation was used. Performance of water supply and sanitation was assessed by questionnaire based interviews and observation. The aim was the assessment of people’s perceptions of the quality of water supply and sanitation services from 2006 to 2011. Results obtained indicate that although there has been an increase in numbers of people in high and middle income communities accessing clean water and supply hours at points of connection between 2006 and 2011, households in low income communities had less access to such services because of little investments in water supply and sanitation resources in low income communities.