Abstract
In developing countries, access to public water services does not ensure clean or reliable supply; nor does it indicate equitable delivery. Further, concentrating on accessibility offers a biased picture of performance and exaggerates the level of accomplishment, while concealing the presence of major challenges to further progress. Through a qualitative study, this article explores the quality dimension of water supply services in Abuja city, Nigeria. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with residents and city officials, supplemented by personal observations. Lack of reliability, low water pressure, inefficient billing systems, inadequate facility maintenance, spatial inequality in service delivery, and lack of public involvement were found to immensely undermine the delivery of water services in the city. The paper concludes by suggesting ways of enhancing the quality of water services in Abuja and other developing areas.
•The quality of public water services in Abuja city was evaluated.•Problems are water scarcity, low pressure, and inefficient metering and billing system.•Other issues are poor infrastructure maintenance, inequity in delivering water services and lack of community involvement.•Improving water quality is a key to enhancing water supply.•Recommendations include improving the quality of water services, good water governance, and stakeholders engagement.