Tariff setting for the sustainability of communal water points in Mangochi District, Malawi

Abstract

The Malawian Government adopted a community-based management model for rural water supply systems, which assumes that users would cover costs related to the operation and maintenance (O&M) of their communal water points through regular cash contributions. These communal water points are mostly boreholes fitted with Afridev hand pumps. However, studies have shown that Afridev hand pumps continue to fail within 3–5 years after installation, despite having a design lifespan of 10–15 years, mostly due to insufficient O&M. Therefore, this study assessed the adequacy of tariffs being used at different water points in Mangochi District in Malawi through a household (HH) survey with a sample size of 288 HHs and a market prices survey. The results showed that 90% of the HHs were making contributions that could not sustainably support the lifecycle O&M costs or the afterlife replacement of the Afridev hand pump. This study suggests a consistent minimum annual water point fund collection of MWK142,050 (US$172.29). It is recommended that the study be replicated in other areas. It is also recommended that further studies should focus on HH affordability with respect of the recommended tariff.