Mr. Ibrahim Musah of WaterAid Ghana asserts that outdated pipelines from Ghana Water Limited are undermining water quality and supply. He calls for substantial government investment and emphasizes the need for increased financing in the WASH sector, which is currently heavily dependent on donor funding. Addressing sanitation issues and promoting public-private partnerships are essential for sustainable water management in Ghana.
The Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim Musah, has indicated that Ghana Water Limited’s (GWL) distribution pipelines are outdated, compromising water quality in urban areas. The deteriorating condition of the pipes, which frequently rust and burst, causes persistent repairs and interruptions in supply, prompting a call for government investment to remedy this decline.
Mr. Musah emphasized that water infrastructure requires substantial investment. GWL needs considerable funding to replace aging pipelines to enhance the provision of safe drinking water. He pointed out that improper maintenance has led to significant water losses, with over half of the produced water lost prior to reaching consumers, which poses a serious challenge given the rising demand in urban centers.
He noted that the Ghanaian Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector remains heavily reliant on donor funding, contributing 73% of the 2022 budget, with a troubling trend increasing to 92% in 2023. The dependency on donor contributions is not sustainable, as government allocations have sharply decreased from 22% in 2022 to just 5% in 2024, underscoring the need for the government to take greater ownership of financing.
For Ghana to effectively achieve universal WASH and meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, Mr. Musah urged the government to collaborate with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). He highlighted the pressing water shortages in regional capitals, caused by growing demand outstripping supply, particularly affecting urban and rural water supplies.
Additionally, illegal mining activities near GWL intake points in several regions exacerbate the challenges faced by the agency. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) requires stable funding to expand its operations and professionalize water delivery in rural communities. Mr. Musah also mentioned the need for investment in hygiene facilities in public areas to combat existing public health risks.
He expressed concern that the advancements made in hygiene after COVID-19 are deteriorating, putting public health at risk due to stagnant water creating mosquito breeding sites. Furthermore, Mr. Musah advocated for separating organic waste from inorganic waste, presenting it as a solution to improve waste management practices, and fostering a sustainable circular economy for waste management that could create jobs while enhancing environmental conditions. He urged that creating an enabling environment for private sector participation is crucial to harnessing the needed capital and expertise to achieve these aims.
In conclusion, the outdated infrastructure of Ghana Water Limited significantly hampers water quality and availability, necessitating urgent investment from the government. With a heavy reliance on donor funding, the government must enhance its financial commitment to WASH, while promoting public-private partnerships. Addressing sanitation and hygiene issues is also vital for public health, alongside fostering a circular economy approach to waste management, which could lead to job creation and improved living conditions for citizens.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
