EFFECT OF FECAL SLUDGE EMPTYING AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FECAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN HAWASSA TOWN, ETHIOPIA

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.