ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN DALOCHA TOWN MATCHING FUND DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SILTE ZONE, ETHIOPIA.

ABSTRACT This research examined the factors influencing the performance of the Dalocha Town matching fund drinking water supply project in the Silte Zone, Ethiopia. The study adopted a mixedmethods approach, employing both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires directed at various stakeholders, including contractors, clients, consultants, and regulatory auditors involved in the project. Secondary data were sourced from existing project reports and environmental assessments. Data collection involved the personal delivery and retrieval of questionnaires to ensure high response rates, complemented by a review of project documentation. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select a representative sample from the target population, yielding a sample size of 46 participants. The sample included consultants, contractors, representatives from regional authorities, the local water utility, and community stakeholders, ensuring a diverse perspective on the project. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings indicate that stakeholder engagement was the strongest predictor of project performance, followed by technical expertise, with community involvement and financial management also demonstrated significant positive correlations. The regression analysis indicates that community involvement, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact are significant predictors of project performance for the Dalocha town matching fund drinking water supply project. The regression model explains approximately 70.3% of the variability in project performance can be explained by the independent variables. The research also underscored the importance of enhancing community and stakeholder engagement, bolstering technical support, and implementing effective financial management practices to improve project performance in future water supply initiatives. These insights are critical for policymakers and project managers aiming to achieve sustainable water management in marginalized areas.