Service delivery models for universal, safe and sustainable water services in Ethiopia

Asset management, long-term planning and support to water service providers are important elements of service-delivery models.

Provision of water services involves supplying a certain quantity of water which is safe, accessible, reliable and available at an acceptable price point. Water services are provided through a variety of water supply facilities (infrastructure) and under different management arrangements. Day-to-day management by service providers is supported and supervised by service authorities.

In this paper, "service delivery model" is defined as: the combination of infrastructure and management arrangements required to ensure affordable, safe and reliable water for users. In urban contexts, the most common urban service delivery model is utility-managed, while community-managed wells and handpumps comprise the common service delivery model in Africa's more rural contexts.

The level of service provided under different delivery models varies widely — even within one service delivery model, depending on the type of access point. For example, the level of service provided through household connections is often higher than services provided through public taps. The unit cost of water service provision and the amount users pay to access services also varies depending on the service delivery model. Thus, prioritisation and implementation of certain service delivery models matters and impacts the level of service and associated costs of sustainable water access for all.

This paper presents and discusses characteristics of the main, rural service delivery models in Ethiopia. It includes discussion on levels of service, types of infrastructure, and management models, including support arrangements. This is then followed by a broader overview of the infrastructure development and delivery models in Ethiopia. The paper also presents recommendations about what is necessary to achieve Sustainable Development Goal target 6.1.

This is the second position paper in a series of five produced through the 2017-19 Millennium Water Alliance Bridge Program in Ethiopia. It is made possible through support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.