Analysis of Socioeconomic Benefits of Water Supply Projects in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Increasing demands for water resulting from economic growth, climate change, pollution and concomitant population growth, therefore work to increase pressure on available resources and also increase the cost of water treatment, This study examines the socioeconomic benefits of water supply projects like dams, reservoirs, overhead tanks, underground pipelines and water treatment plants in Jos metropolis to individual water users in Jos metropolis. The socioeconomic benefits were also identified and examined in relation to the gains achieved by the Plateau State Water Board subscribers in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. The study found out that the water supply projects are executed for social, political and to some extent economic reasons and are not sustainable due to the inability of Plateau State Water Board (PSWB) to charge commercial rates and enumerated the benefits of these water supply projects to households to include reduced distance to water sources, time savings and reduction in diseases rate, among other things. It concluded that some level of commitment should be achieved to enable the PSWB become sustainable to be able to replicate these projects in unserved locations of Jos metropolis. Recommendations such as full capacity utilization of state owned water supply utilities, provision of alternative areas for farming purposes, recreation and fishing to the inhabitants of water supply project areas, among others were proffered.

Keywords: Socioeconomic, Benefits, Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Water Supply.