Impact of Political Leadership on the Planning and Execution of Water Supply Projects in Nasarawa State

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of political leadership on the planning and execution of water supply projects in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to examine the role of political decisions in the provision of clean water, focusing on the challenges and effectiveness of government policies. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilizing purposive sampling to select 400 respondents from urban and rural communities across the state’s three senatorial zones. The research adopted a theoretical framework that combined Public Choice Theory, Resource Dependency Theory, and Management and Role Theory to understand the interplay between political leadership, external dependencies, and governance in water provision. The findings of the study revealed that political leadership in Nasarawa State is perceived as passive, with limited involvement in planning, weak supervision, and inadequate continuity of projects across political administrations. Additionally, government policies were found to have minimal impact on improving water access, particularly in rural areas. The study concluded that the inefficiencies in political leadership and policy implementation have hindered the success of water supply initiatives. Therefore, the study recommended that political leaders strengthen their commitment to long-term water projects, ensure continuity across administrations, enhance community involvement, and improve coordination with external resources. It also suggested the promotion of public-private partnerships to foster sustainable water supply solutions.