In eradicating or reducing the problem of water shortage within the Bamendakwe community, the government and private institutions need to recognise that involving both women and men in integrated water resources initiatives can increase project effectiveness and efficiency. Participation by both women and men improves project performance and improves the likelihood of sustainability. In other words, a project is more likely to achieve what planners hope it will achieve if women and men (both rich and poor) are active participants and decision makers.