Applicability of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in decision making for integrated urban water system in a city

Abstract

The urban water system is a complex and dynamic for planning of an integrated framework. This paper illustrates Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique as a decision-making tool for the municipality’s urban water based on four different criteria i.e. economic, environmental, social, and sustainability to support stakeholders and water utility experts. Due to insufficient funds for the urban water planning, prioritization problems arise and for this hierarchical network represents with prioritization criterion to implement an alternative solution. Saaty’s analytical hierarchy process (AHP) hypothesis is explaining in the study with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and adoptable the alternatives through highest priority value. According to the AHP theory, all required criteria are ranking and preparing the list of alternatives to select the most prioritized solution to carry out in the plan of the urban water policy. Along with a consistency, a check of the final judgment is still carrying out by sensitivity evaluation of the synthesis model even if there are changes in decisions. The study find out the best workable solutions for existing issues in the urban water structure by promoting an interface between water users and stakeholders to reach a sustainable strategy in the city. AHP technique not only finds the important of each criterion but still comparing the criteria weights regarding objectives and alternatives. This application of AHP will ease the policymakers and stakeholders in the governing process for next-generation urban water system planning and designing by providing a framework and support to prepare a city master plan.