The Factors Affecting Consumers‟ Willingness To Pay For Water Services: A Case Of West District, Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the factors affecting consumers‟ willingness to pay for water

services: A case of West District, Zanzibar. The study specifically, was set to meet

three objectives, namely; to examine factors affecting consumers‟ willingness to pay

for water service in West District, Zanzibar; to investigate challenges that face water

services in West District, Zanzibar and to examine measures taken by the

Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in overcoming the challenges facing water

services in Zanzibar.

The study was conducted in West District, Zanzibar and it employed a descriptive

cross-sectional survey research design. Data were gathered by using questionnaires,

face to face interview and focus group discussion as well as observation to

respondents of this study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social

Scientist (SPSS) and Excel computer program. The study has revealed that, an

average amount of income spend for monthly water bill is Tzs 4,500. It has also been

observed that, ZAWA staffs, Zanzibar Health Officers and Donors were the main

stakeholders in activity. The study has also revealed that, ZAWA/Government

contributed a lot improving the life standard of people, specifically through

improvement of economic activities practiced by the customers. Consumers‟

willingness to pay water bill enabled to improve water supply.

But it has been observed that, consumers unwilling to pay water bill has been facing

some challenges such as sabotage of water infrastructure like pipe, reluctance of

some individuals in paying water bill, lack of modern equipments well as rapid

population growth. In order to reduce these challenges ZAWA/Government is the

increasing of services to their customers. The study hence recommends that the

government should support the consumers who were ready to pay water bill. Also,

the government is urged to provide education on the appropriate ways to handle

consumers as to fetch water in good ways.