Assessment of Public Perspectives on Quality Control Measures in Public Water Supply in Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The study determined whether there were differences in public evaluation and perception of quality control measures adopted by a public water agency in Oyo State, Nigeria on the basis of some socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status and socio-economic background. It used a sample of 350 respondents (187 males and 163 females) spread across four local government areas in Oyo State. The major instrument used was a questionnaire while data analysis employed frequency counts and t-test statistics. Result showed that there were no significant differences in public perception of quality control measures adopted by the public water agency on the basis of the aforementioned factors. The result raises some fundamental issues that are connected with the quality of water supplied for public uses. It underscored the need to enhance a high quality in public water supply. The paper further went to proffer solutions on how to sustain safe water supply in Nigerian cities: @ JASEM http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v19i1.2 IntroductionThe concern for regular and uninterrupted public water supply in developing countries has been on the increase in the last four decades. This is in response to the incidents of water scarcity evident in cities and towns in most developing countries especially in Africa, Asia and South America. In ensuring regular public water supply, there is the need to ensure that the water being supplied is safe and potable, that is, it must be of high quality. This brings to fore the issue of quality control in public water supply. This issue is very critical and germane to the task of ensuring steady and regular water supply. Not only must water be available in the right amount to meet the demand, also the water must be of high quality such that it is suitable for public consumption. Where the quality of water supplied is law it has negative consequences for public health and well-being