RURAL WATER SUPPLY IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA 1976-1991

Abstract

The importance of potable water in the overall welfare of the rural dwellers can hardly be over-emphasized. This arises from its use in wide range domestic activities and role in preventive healthcare delivery. The Government, international development and donor agencies as well as the people pursued its provision with great vigour. This necessitates the study of potable water supply in rural areas using Anambra State, Nigeria as focus. This study describes and analyses rural water supply with a view to identifying the achievements, successes, challenges and failures in the attempt by the various stakeholders to provide this essential infrastructure. Data for this paper are obtained from primary and secondary sources. The paper employs qualitative and quantitative methods of research devoid of theoretical underpinnings. Its presentation is chronological. The paper ventures to submit that in spite of efforts by various stakeholders to provide potable water to the rural areas of Anambra State, Nigeria within the period of this study, rural water supply was fraught with several challenges as a result of which it could hardly deliver on its expected goals.