| Abstract: | This study aimed to assess the effect of fecal sludge emptying and transport management on the
efficiency of Fecal Sludge Management services in Hawassa Town, focusing on key influencing
factors such as financial constraints, capacity of service providers, cost of emptying services,
infrastructural challenges, and regulatory frameworks. A quantitative research design was
adopted, incorporating both descriptive and explanatory approaches. Data were collected from
a sample of 382 households selected through stratified random sampling across the town’s 23
kebeles. Structured questionnaires were used to capture household experiences with FSM
services. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the current state of service delivery, while
correlation and regression analyses examined the relationships between independent variables
and the efficiency of FSM services, measured through service reliability. Findings revealed that
while private service providers are the primary actors in FSM service delivery, 33% of
households have never emptied their sanitation facilities, citing cost, infrastructure, and lack of
awareness as key barriers. Financial constraints, regulatory frameworks, and service provider
capacity showed statistically significant effects on FSM service efficiency, while perceived cost
of services and infrastructure challenges also contributed but with varying degrees of statistical
support. Regression results confirmed that affordability and regulatory enforcement were the
strongest predictors of service efficiency. The study concluded that the efficiency of FSM services
in Hawassa was undermined by intersecting economic, institutional, and infrastructural
barriers. Addressing these challenges requires improved regulatory coordination, investment in
provider capacity and equipment, and targeted financial interventions for low-income
households. |
