The factors affecting functionality and sustainability of mechanized elements of water supply systems in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya

This paper focuses on the functionality and sustainability of mechanized elements of water supply systems. Despite the huge sums of money spent by development agencies in developing water supply systems, once the projects are handed over to communities they start experiencing breakdowns and even in some cases total failure. The study revealed the factors affecting the functionality and sustainability of mechanized elements of water supply systems in Mbeere South Sub-County. The target population was made up of people living in Makima and Mwea Divisions of Mbeere South Sub-County and the installed mechanized water systems. The functionality of mechanized elements of water supply systems varied across the study area but the study revealed that use of locally developed hand pumps and solar systems was more sustainable. Failure to adhere to the recommended schedule of maintenance, lack of spare parts and lack of enhanced training of artisans and caretakers in operation and maintenance of the water systems’ mechanized elements heavily contributed to non-functionality of the systems. The study recommends that the choice of technology for community water projects be prioritized considering operation and maintenance costs and enhanced sensitization to the importance of communities in adhering to manufacturer's recommended scheduled maintenance to improve sustainability.