Steering Committee

Consultative Council

Implementation Unit

Contractors

Water User Groups

Allocation of Resources

Water User' Assembly

Lower Usuthu Irrigation District

Establishment of O&M system

Sustainability

Sustainability

For the farmers there will be a clear link between the money they pay and the level of operation and maintenance they receive. They will know where the water charges go and will have a management that is ultimately answerable to them.

The associations of water users will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the on-field irrigation systems. They will have to cover all related costs such as repairs, labour and reinvestment. Additionally, they have to cover the cost of operation and maintenance of the main and secondary system. These costs would be met by an annual water charge based on a flat rate per hectares in connection with a volumetric charge.

The advantage of applying a water charge system based on two parameters ensures a more efficient use of water. On the one hand, a flat rate per hectares will make sure that the area will be cultivated with crops. On the other hand a volumetric rate will see a better marginal use of water and is transparent for the users.

The management of the on-field irrigation system must be covered in the institutional guidelines of the associations. It is important that a system of sanctions covering cases of incompetence or negligence is put in place.

The associations will need to be self-financing and able to cover the cost of management, operation and maintenance. The proposed institutional structures and arrangements are based upon this assumption.

The key to making LUSIP self-sustaining is the empowerment of the farmers, giving them the ownership and the responsibility, including the financial responsibility, of the system on completion. Farmers would also be directly responsible for meeting all future replacement and O&M costs of the tertiary system including pumps, pipes and sprinklers.