Households willingness to pay for improved water quality and reliability of supply in Chobe ward, Maun

Abstract

This survey investigated the willingness to pay for an improved water quality and reliability in Chobe ward in Maun. On average, 54% of the households are willing to pay for improved water quality. It is therefore apparent that Chobe Ward, Maun residents in general regard water as an economic good as they are willing to pay for its provision. Those with a higher income were willing to pay for an improved water quality and reliability of supply. This finding corroborates the environmental economic theory which assumes that the demand for an improved environmental quality increases with income. The older the person the more they are willing to pay for improved water quality and reliability. Larger families are not willing to pay for an improved provision of water services. Also, educated people are lesser willing to pay for improved water quality and reliability.

Keywords: Willingness to Pay, Environmental good, Contingent Valuation Method