More than Just Flowing Taps: Evaluating the Multidimensional Sustainability of Community-Based Water Projects

Community-based water projects (CBWPs) are vital for addressing water scarcity in rural areas, yet their long-term sustainability remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the multidimensional sustainability of 30 CBWPs across four districts in central Tanzania (Kondoa, Kongwa, Manyoni, and Singida Urban), utilizing an integrated mixed-methods approach and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The assessment framework encompasses technical, financial, social, and institutional dimensions, revealing that only 17% of projects are fully sustainable, 43% are partially sustainable, and 40% are not sustainable. Key findings highlight the critical role of technical functionality (weighted 0.28) and financial viability (0.23), alongside community participation and robust governance, in ensuring long-term viability. District-specific variations indicate the need for context-tailored interventions, with Kondoa showing the highest proportion of unsustainable projects (62.5%) and Manyoni demonstrating balanced performance. The study underscores the importance of appropriate technology selection, sustainable financing mechanisms, and community engagement to enhance CBWP sustainability. Recommendations include thorough technical assessments, transparent financial systems, and capacity-building to foster resilient water management strategies, contributing to equitable and sustained water access in rural Tanzania.