Examining the implementation of the Mongu Water project. A case study of Western Water Sewerage Company.

This research looks at how the Mongu Water Project is being implemented in rural Zambia, where despite efforts by organisations like the Western Water Sewerage Company, access to clean and safe water is still a major challenge (Sinyangwe, 2020). Although the percentage of households in the country that have access to clean drinking water has increased from 63% in 2014 to 72% in 2018, approximately half of rural communities still do not have a sufficient supply of water. In order to evaluate project execution in this setting, the study used a case study methodology, concentrating on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) procedures. The results showed that M&E application varied throughout the project cycle. The design of quantifiable indicators demonstrated only partial compliance (Mean = 1.73), and the official M&E strategy was only partially executed (Mean = 1.53, SD = 0.730). Inconsistencies in monitoring project progress were highlighted by baseline studies' modest uptake (Mean = 2.03). Stakeholder involvement, including community, government, and funders, was modest (Mean = 2.17), showing engagement but missing systematic integration. Although they were still not completely institutionalised, external and internal assessments (Mean = 2.27) were carried out more often. Gaps were further validated by rankings, which showed that quantifiable indicators were implemented inconsistently (Mean Rank = 3.03) and the official M&E plan was least emphasised (Mean Rank = 2.40). Departmental capability affected mid-level components like baseline studies (Mean Rank = 4.08) and data collecting techniques (Mean Rank = 4.40). The efficient use of project resources was further constrained by human resource limitations, which were noted by 23.3% of respondents. The study recommends targeted capacity-building interventions and continuous staff training to boost M&E implementation, promote accountability, and improve overall project outcomes in rural water delivery efforts, the study suggests focused capacity-building interventions and ongoing staff training.