The challenge of securing future water supply and sanitation services for an increasing population requires continued efforts to satisfy the future needs. This paper focuses on water availability and sanitation services under growing population taking Gezira State, Sudan, as the case. Future projection of the population was predicted based on the 2.2% growth rate. Data on water sources, quantities and sanitation was collected from Gezira State Water Corporation and various health and educational reports. The results calculated that the population is increasing by 14% from 2008 to 2014. Water stands are the main source of water in Gezira and yields 84% of the available water. The current consumption rates are 22.5 and 55 Liter per capita per day for rural and urban population, respectively. There is a gab in rural water supply and is expected to increase rapidly by 2025. Sanitation coverage in the state is 80% in schools and 88% in health facilities. The study recommended construction of new water sources to satisfy the rural consumption.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess Water Users Associations (WUAs) technically, financially and administratively as being partially responsible for spate irrigation system management in Gash Delta Agricultural Corporation in Sudan.Methodology WUAs were assessed using questionnaire, direct observation and focus group discussion. Accordingly, WUAs were categorized into very poor, poor, average, good and very good. FindingsThe results indicate that technically and financially, WUAs in Gash Delta Agricultural Corporation are poor. Administratively, WUAs classified as average. The results also indicated that WUAs located in the upper spate system perform better than that located in the middle system. Originality/valueThe study was based on an innovative idea of giving stakeholders part in development of the assessment criteria as it is the first study assessing WUAs in Gash spate irrigation systems in Sudan.