Determinants of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) on Tanzania Water Utility: A Case of Mbeya Water Supply and Sanitation Authority.

Bernado, Leonidas Deogratias (2021) Determinants of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) on Tanzania Water Utility: A Case of Mbeya Water Supply and Sanitation Authority. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was conducted to examine determinants of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Mbeya water utilities. The study comprised three objectives; to assess the cut into which unbilled authorized consumption influence NRW in Mbeya water utilities; to evaluate the influence of billing system errors and technical errors on NRW in Mbeya water utilities; and to establish how social dynamics influences Non-Revenue in Mbeya water utilities. The study was guided by cross-sectional design to collect data from 137 respondents. Random sampling was adopted to select respondents and questionnaire was employed as a tool for data collection. Data analysis was performed in a quantitative and qualitative manner using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively. Findings of the study revealed that, the influence of unbilled authorized consumption on NRW was high. Besides, linear relationship exists between metered, unmetered unbilled authorized consumption and level of NRW. Study findings also revealed that, billing system errors has high influence on NRW. Four technical errors influencing NRW were identified namely, age of infrastructure, leakages, bursts, and metering inaccuracy. Further, results indicated that, social dynamics factors, which influenced NRW, include water theft, corruption, high water tariffs, and intermittent water supply. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that, unbilled authorized consumption, billing system and technical errors, and social dynamics factors have significant relationship with level of NRW. These determinants explain 19% increase of the level of NRW. The study recommends that, in order to reduce unbilled authorized consumption, installation of standard meter design should be conducted align with repair of meter registration inaccuracies. Also, regular maintenance should be carried out to ensure efficient working condition of water infrastructures. Keywords: Non-Revenue Water, Authorized Consumption and Water Loss

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