Assessment Of Practical Implementation Challenges Of Solar Powered Rural Water Supply Systems: The Case Of Boloso Sore Woreda In Wolayita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Many Nations, Including Ethiopia, Seek To Promote, Advocate For, And Mainstream The Use Of Solar Energy In Rural Water Supply Projects For Communities And Institutions. Although Solar Energy Is Being Promoted As A Replacement For Diesel-Driven Systems, Identifying Bottlenecks In Solar-Powered Water Supply Systems Has Not Been Emphasized. Therefore, This Research Study Aimed To Evaluate The Main Practical Challenges Of Implementing Solar-Powered Water Supply Systems In Boloso Sore Woreda, Ethiopia. The Study Employed A Mixed-Method Approach, Combining Quantitative And Qualitative Data Collection And Analysis Techniques.? The Research Data Were Collected Via Review Of Design Documents, A Structured Household Questionnaire, And Triangulated With Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview, And Physical Observation. As A Result, It Was Identified That Practical Implementation Challenges Were Encountered In Boloso Sore Woreda Sprwss. The Technical Challenges Included Inadequate Design And Poor Construction Quality, System Malfunctions, And Inadequate Service Reservoir Capacity. On The Other Hand, The Financial Challenges Were Due To The High Initial Investment, The Need For Regular Operation And Maintenance, And The Community's Unwillingness To Pay For Water. Moreover, The Operation And Maintenance Challenges Arose From A Lack Of Technical Expertise, Limited Access To Spare Parts, And Unclear Roles And Responsibilities Of The Committees. Additionally, A Study Of Community Satisfaction Regarding The Project Revealed Mixed Perceptions Among Residents. While Some Expressed Pride And Happiness, Others Reported Dissatisfaction With The Performance Of The Water Management Committees And The System's Overall Management. Overall, This Study Provides Valuable Insights And Recommendations To Build The Capacity, Skills Of Technical Experts Involved In Implementing, Operating, And Maintaining Solar-Powered Water Supply Systems In The Region And Across The Country. In Addition, It Recommended To Carefully Select Construction Materials, Avail Solar Spare Parts In The Local Market With Reasonable Price, Subsizide The Expensive Solar Components Required For Maintenance. Furthermore, It Recommended The Replication Of Such Kind Of Research In Other Regions With Different Context And Encourages More Research Aimed At Devising An Optimum Water Tariff Setting And Community Contribution To Enhance The Financial Sustainability Of Sprwss.