Manpower and institutional constraints on urban water supply in Nigeria: A case study of the northwest zone

Abstract

This study analyses some of the manpower and institutional constraints to urban water supplies in seven states in the northwestern sector of Nigeria. The study is based on an audit and analysis of the manpower situation in the state water agencies. The results show a very poor manpower situation and weaknesses in the policy, financial and institutional frameworks within which the agencies have to operate. The dismal manpower situation is obvious in the very small proportion of personnel with tertiary level technical and engineering qualifications. The impact of the shortage of qualified personnel is most felt in the operational field, especially in the area (district) offices. Low calibre of staff, poor funding and inadequate provision of transport and communication facilities greatly impair the operations of the area offices. The weak financial position of the water agencies and the civil service organizational and emolument structures under which they function have made it difficult for them to attract and retain highly qualified professionals, particularly, engineers. Much of the problems can be solved with greater autonomy of action especially in the fixing of water rates and service charges. Also, many of the constraints can be tackled with greater cooperation and coordination of effort between the state water agencies themselves.