Factors Affecting Sustainability of Water Project in Ukenyenge Ward-Kishapu District; Shinyanga Tanzania

The objective of the study was to determine the factors which affect sustainability of water project at Ukenyenge ward, which is the area with reasonable growing number of population in Kishapu District. The study employed descriptive survey, where population used was the household heads. A sample size of 96 respondents was drawn from the target populations of 2396 from the project area. The respondents were reached through household survey and purposive identification of the subject matter or key informants across relevant local institutions. A focus Group Interview and Questionnaire was used as instrument for conducting the research. Where a group of experts knowledgeable on project sustainabilitys was subjected to focus group discussion and was facilitated and guided by a researcher. The study employed a questionnaire with different types of questions including open ended and closed-ended questions. The findings show that stakeholders were involved in the water project through contribution of funds/other resources, designing and in management. The project transformed health, sanitation practices in the region, facilitated participation of local communities in development initiatives, encouraged residents to take ownerships of their own resources, improved security by reducing conflicts over natural sources of water, encouraged residents to conserve water projects, as well as helped the community gained substantial knowledge and technical skills. The level of adoption of technology in the management of water project was very low impairing the sustainability of the projects. As well as, helps on reduction of operations costs, improving the efficiency and increasing the longevity of the projects. The adoption of the technology in the water project was minimal. The government should institute stringent measures to deal with persons vandalizing the water projects.