Enhancement of Groundwater Industry Performance: A Case Study for Sudanese Private Companies

Abstract

This research aimed at identifying and assessing the current situation of the groundwater industry (GWI) in Sudan in order to highlight the performance deterioration noticed in this important sector after mostly being privatized. The assessment stressed on important organizational aspects and influential technical GWI aspects such as exploration, adequacy of well design, technique, well completion, pump's selection, installation, water tanks, towers and supply stations. The methodology of the research (action research) consisted of a survey questionnaire to obtain information relevant to the GWI performance. Data collected from the questionnaire's feedback was statistically analyzed using SPSS programme. Several visits were made to many of the relevant departments for survey and collection of the required data. Data also have been collected from references, researches, reports and verbal statements from some well-known GWI local experts. A comparison study process was conducted between the local and international companies to identify variations and differences in the different GWI aspects to obtain the required results. The results showed a serious deterioration in the performance of the GWI in Sudan. This deterioration affected the project's design and the groundwater quantity, quality and protection. This research proposed enhancement steps for the most influential GWI components and an addional department to be linked to the existing authority structure named Contractors' Affairs Department(CAD) which provides the required follow up, observation and supervision of the private companies activities. The research also suggested a moderate organizational model for use by the private companies named the Moderate Organizational Model (MOM) to fill the organizational gaps and enhance performance of groundwater companies. Furthermore, amendments and additions of some conditions to the existing contracting agreement used by most of the local companies as an important step of enhancement precaution to reap the required level of technical performance and to prevent claims and disputes between the two parties were also suggested. Hence, Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to act as a helpful tool of evaluation for the GWI situation and to enable stakeholders to perform early remedial steps for any deteriorated aspects were formulated. It is therefore recommended to disseminate the results of this research among all concerned stakeholders in the GWI sector.