Water Supply Infrastructure Performance and Spatial Equity in Namtumbo and Rwinga wards, Tanzania

Abstract

Rural water infrastructure sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa faces critical challenges; yet existing research predominantly employs isolated quantitative approaches with limited integration of community perspectives and spatial equity analysis. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to assess the rural water supply infrastructure performance and spatial equity in Namtumbo and Rwinga Wards, Tanzania using appropriate standard methods including a Mixed-Methods Approach. Results revealed severe infrastructure deterioration (mean ICI = 3.21 ± 0.94, 'poor' condition). Multiple regression analysis identified infrastructure age (β = 0.72, p < 0.001) and the initial construction quality (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) as primary deterioration collectively explaining 74% of variance (R² = 0.74). GIS analysis exposed critical spatial inequities, with 40% of the population (approximately 21,381 residents) lacking access to improved water sources, defined per JMP/WHO criteria as protected wells, boreholes, piped systems, and rainwater collection and 45% of the study area unserved. Thematic analysis revealed that political-economic prioritization favoring population-dense areas, rather than technical constraints alone, is a primary driver of spatial inequities. The findings provide actionable evidence for policymakers to prioritize community-based maintenance models, address bureaucratic bottlenecks in spare parts distribution, and implement equity-focused infrastructure planning aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) objectives.