Community management and project sustainability - case study

Tanzania's 1991 national water policy focused on improving the sustainability of water supply by community management of operation and maintenance1. Subsequent policies have emphasized user-ownership and management, as well as redefining the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved. The government is gradually shifting from its traditional role in the sector as owner, provider and operator to a facilitator, promoter and regulator of water and sanitation development initiatives. In many cases, the actual involvement of communities in the management of water systems has been poor. Many community-managed projects have suffered setbacks. These are associated with: • the limited capacity of communities and local governments to fulfill their new roles; • the fact that implementation, operation and management is largely based on voluntary efforts; and • the lack of effective procedures for mobilising external support.