An assessment of the effectiveness of strategies used by Blantyre Water Board to reduce non-revenue water

Abstract

Blantyre Water Board has been experiencing a high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) which stands at 52%. Reduction of NRW is one of the major challenge facing BWB. Blantyre Water Board is a parastatal organization which was established and reconstituted under the Malawi Waterworks Act No. 17 of 1995. To reduce NRW and improve operational performance, BWB has developed strategies based on the engineering studies conducted in the recent past. BWB is failing to improve in areas of operational efficiency, capital investments, customer care and coverage for water supply due to high NRW. Ineffective implementation of NRW reduction strategies is the major cause for the rise in the physical and apparent water losses. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of the strategies that BWB uses to reduce NRW in the water distribution network. The research employed the descriptive survey methodology with both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study purposely sampled 120 participants from a population of 249 employees that are directly involved in day to day activities of reducing NRW at BWB. Primary data, provided information that was specifically for the purpose of this research and was obtained through questionnaires and field measurements while secondary data was acquired from BWB Financial Management reports, Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS), Departmental reports, Fault Management System (FMS) and the Hydraulic Model. The study showed that the Board was not able to effectively implement strategies that it used to reduce NRW. The study identified that there was a positive, partial correlation between understanding of PPS and compliance to PPS, (r = 0.545, p < 0.05, n = 109). The positive correlation indicated that the more employees understand the PPS the better they comply with PPS when carrying out their duties. With the financial constraints of the Board, investment in the fight against NRW has not been adequate as BWB fails to comply with the budget by 27.3%. To reduce NRW, the study recommends that BWB should train its staff, use materials which are compliant with the design specifications, increase and improve resource investment in NRW reduction-activities.