Management function and water quality service concerns: Emerging management issues in selected town councils in Uganda

Abstract

A study has been conducted to illustrate examples of water quality problems to vulnerable communities in Uganda’s small town councils. Many urban communities in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean water for basic needs such as drinking and washing. Even where water points have been constructed, many breakdown prematurely or provide inadequate, seasonal or poor-quality water supplies. While techno-managerial factors are relevant in explaining these problems, attention is needed to the institutional and political-economic dynamics shaping policy outcomes on the ground. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) as a manifestation of multivariate analysis was used as an instrument for decision making in factor analysis of water quality service. Variance based SEM helped with variables of water pollution which consisted of qualitative and quantitative variables. Linear structural equation model obtained as a result of the study showed the contribution level among pollution factors. T-statistic values obtained by doing bootstrap model resample showed the significances of the management function. It was concluded that effective planning of water projects in small towns will reduce on the management challenges. There is need to ensure installation of hand pumps, and look after their repair and maintenance with the coordination of urban dwellers. There is need to create health awareness about diseases caused by unsafe water by providing safe drinking water, thereby reducing water borne diseases.