Similar community-based initiatives were structured in rural areas. As part of an IDA funded Irrigation
Rehabilitation Project, 250 Water uses Associations (WUAs) were created to manage irrigation and
drainage systems.
By mid-1999, the project had positively impacted agricultural production and increased rural incomes
by an estimated 400$ to 600$ in the average annual income of a farm family.
In 1997, the government permitted the transfer of primary system management responsibilities to
WUAs and allowing them to set irrigation charges restored trust in partnering with government.
Finally, the engagement of senior government officials in the dissemination of project information
secured commitment among communities and farmers.
However, the inability to generate local revenue has undermined the effectiveness of local
government, it has adopted a “Two –Point Strategy”, incorporated in the community infrastructure
program:
• To work closely with Community- Based organizations so as to enhance their capacity to participate in
development programs and strengthen the City Council’s capacity to respond to requests from
communities;
• To adopt a new approach to Environmental Planning and Management based on capacity building.