The article discusses the serious impact of outdated distribution pipelines of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) on water quality. Mr. Ibrahim Musah from WaterAid Ghana emphasizes the need for government investment to upgrade infrastructure and reverse reliance on donor funding in the WASH sector. He advocates for public-private partnerships and innovative waste management practices to address the critical issues faced in urban water supply and hygiene.
Mr. Ibrahim Musah, the Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, has indicated that Ghana Water Limited’s (GWL) distribution pipelines have become significantly outdated, compromising the quality of water supplied to urban residents. The antiquated pipes often rust and burst, which leads to frequent repairs and interruptions in the water supply. He urges the government to invest capital into the company to remedy this detrimental situation.
In Mr. Musah’s assessment, the country’s water infrastructure requires substantial investment as it is capital intensive. GWL needs considerable funding to replace its deteriorating pipelines, which are vital for ensuring a safe water supply, particularly in light of the high water loss rate—over half of the produced water is lost before reaching consumers.
He noted that the growing demand for water in urban areas presents a significant challenge. While GWL has begun to improve its infrastructure and develop nature-based solutions for water management, more efforts are necessary to guarantee a reliable and sustainable water supply.
During a conversation with journalists in Accra, Mr. Musah revealed that Ghana’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector relies heavily on donor funding. In 2022, 73% of the budget for the sector originated from donors, and this reliance increased to 92% in 2023. This trend is unsustainable; governmental funding has dramatically decreased, falling from 22% to just 8% between 2022 and 2023.
He emphasized that for the Government of Ghana to achieve WASH for all and advance in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Goal 6, it must take charge of financing the sector. Collaboration with the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models is essential to address the capital intensity of water infrastructure.
Mr. Musah stressed the urgency of investing in regions facing daily water shortages, such as Tamale, Cape Coast, Ho, Takoradi, Kumasi, and certain areas of Accra. He also pointed out the adverse effects of illegal mining on river bodies, which complicates the water sourcing process. Moreover, rural areas require substantial investments to enhance community water supply adequately.
The effective reform of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) necessitates persistent funding to ensure expanded operations in rural and small-town water delivery. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for improved hygiene infrastructure and education in public places, which is outlined in the Ghana WASH Sector Development Programme.
Mr. Musah flagged concerning trends post-COVID-19 in hygiene gains, stating that lapses pose health risks to consumers. He noted how stagnant water in uncovered pits creates breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, endangering public health.
He also proposed that separating organic waste from inorganic waste can transform waste management practices in the country. Proper organic waste treatment can create biogas, which Safisana Ghana Limited has demonstrated can integrate into the national grid, and it can also generate fertilizer, minimizing imports.
The implementation of circular economy principles can further enhance the sanitation conditions across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Mr. Musah advocates for governmental support to foster an environment conducive for private sector involvement, promising that this initiative would not only improve sanitation but also create job opportunities for the youth, thereby benefiting the nation.
Thus, he concludes that effective partnerships and innovative management strategies are critical to overcoming the prevailing challenges in the WASH sector in Ghana.
In summary, Mr. Ibrahim Musah has highlighted serious concerns regarding the aging infrastructure of Ghana Water Limited and the ramifications for water quality and supply. With reliance on donor funding steadily increasing and government allocation decreasing, a shift in investment strategy is essential to ensure sustainable water management and hygiene practices. Employing circular economy principles and fostering public-private partnerships can help address the current challenges while promoting job creation and health improvements in Ghana.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
