Abstract

Water vending is frequently regarded as an indication of a piped water system failure, and it continues to be a vital source of water for a large number of urban dwellers worldwide, including those in Abuja. This study looked at the role of water vendors to urban water supply in Kwali L. G. A, Abuja. Using a survey research approach, 383 copies of questionnaire were distributed. Both systematic and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sampled areas in the study area as well as the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the analysis. The study showed that majority of the vended water sources in the study area are privately owned. It was also found that 75.1% of the residents in the study area patronize the services of water vendors, with the majority (64.2%) buying their water from wheelbarrow vendors or handcarts, while 23.9% buy from tanker truck vendors, and the least patronized were head carriage vendors. The primary reasons for water vendors’ involvement in domestic water supply are reliability and availability of supply, which account for 32.6% in all zones. The second most cited reason is the timely efficiency of supply compared to other sources. In the study area, there is seasonal variation in vending water demand and supply patterns, with the highest demand occurring during the dry season. Additionally, most supplies are made during the morning and evening hours. It’s important to note that 50.8% of the survey participants found the price of water provided by water vendors to be affordable. This indicates that many residents, particularly the surveyed households, can easily afford to purchase water. It was recommended that extension of water infrastructure, including water points, to the study area by the FCT Water Board and other water stakeholders to enhance water availability and vendor services. Institutionalization of water vending by policymakers to regulate water quality and pricing.

Key Words: Water vendors, Domestic water, Accessibility, Kwali Area Council, Abuja