Does the urban poor want water service improvement? Residents’ preferences for future water service supply in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

Access to clean and adequate drinking water supply has a significant contribution to public health and the economies of developing nations. However, leaders in developing countries continue to experience challenges in their attempt to provide citizens access to safe drinking water. This study examines residents’ preferences for improved water service supply attributes in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Using a conjoint experiment survey from 450 residents, the study estimates part-worth valuation for each attribute and shows that preference for future water service is heterogeneous. Finally, the researchers confirmed that the resident is willing to pay up to 75% surcharges on their current bill for improved drinking water supply.