EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN RURAL WATER PROJECT IN ALIGWU, KREIGANI AND OHALI-USOMINI (AKO) COMMUNITIES, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study explored the level of community participation in a rural water project in Aligwu, Kreigani and Ohali-Usomini (AKO) communities, Rivers State of Nigeria. A total of 153 respondents made up of 58 women, 20 Community Development Committee (CDC) members, and 75 registered youths constituted the sample size for the study, drawn using the stratified random sampling technique. Findings of the study revealed that the rural water project in Aligwu, Kreigani and Ohali – Usomini (AKO) communities of Rivers State received a low level of community participation, as such the water project was not sustained. Prevailing factors associated with the non-sustainability of the project were poor representation of community members, the non-acceptance of ideas and suggestions raised by the communities, lack of transparency on the side of the external agency of the project and the use of more foreigners in the planning and execution of the project. One null hypothesis was accepted with no significant difference found, whilst the other was rejected. The researchers recommended that adequate integration of key players of the community in development programme and the employment of more members of the community be made as a way of enhancing their capabilities.