A Dissertation Submitted to the Institute of Development Studies In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements of the Master’s Degree in Development Policy (MSc – DP) of
Mzumbe University
This study aimed at assessing the implementation of the National Water Policy (2002) in
Mvomero District. The main objective of the study was to assess the extent to which the
implementation of National Water Policy (2002) had contributed to accessibility of rural
domestic water supply in Mvomero District. In order to achieve the assessment the study
had four objectives as follows; The first objective examined the context in which the water
policy is implemented. The second objective assessed the availability and adequacy of
infrastructures. The third objective was to establish the nature and the extent of community
involvement in the water policy implementation. The fourth objective was to determine the
level of satisfaction of consumers. The research used cross-sectional design. Data collection
was through face to face interviews, questionnaire, site observation and documentary
review. The sample size was 120 involving 105 household heads and 15 key informants.
Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS).
Qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis. The results were presented in
tables, charts, and figures. The findings for the first objective showed that the condition of
water source was very bad, community awareness on the implementation of the National
Water Policy (2002) was very poor, average distance to collect water for domestic use for
the majority was between 400 and 1000 meters and there was frequent occurrence of water
borne diseases such as diarrhoea due to lack of water treatment caused by wrong traditional
beliefs. As for the second objective the findings showed that there were no sufficient and
adequate water infrastructure in the study area. With regard to the third objective findings
showed that there was negative community response to contribution in kind and cash for
maintenance and running of water infrastructures. The findings for the fourth objective
showed that the community in the study area was not satisfied with water supply services.
Overall, the findings show that the implementation of the National Water Policy (2002) in
the study area has not been fully achieved. The study recommends as follows: First, local the
government should explore ways of utilizing Mindu dam which is close to the study area.
Secondly, the local government should see how to collaborate with Mzumbe University to
expand its water infrastructure so as to supply water in the study area. Thirdly, the