Determinants of service sustainability: small piped water schemes in rural Rwanda

A study into the sustainability of rural, small piped water systems in Rwanda found that: a) the energy source for conveying water through the system was an important cost driver and directly affected the price of the water tariff; b) consumer demand for water may be price elastic and higher prices may increase use of cheaper, non-safe alternatives; and c) local government support may be necessary to cover large maintenance and repair costs and assist with planning. The study further considered the efficacy of different service provider models; however, results were not conclusive on which service provider model is most likely to sustain a service over time.