Ghana Water Limited’s aging pipelines are compromising water quality, with excessive losses before reaching consumers. Increased government investment is necessary to improve infrastructure in the WASH sector, which is heavily reliant on donor funding. Calls for public-private partnerships highlight a path forward for sustainable development, while better waste management could enhance public health.
Mr. Ibrahim Musah from WaterAid Ghana has highlighted that Ghana Water Limited’s distribution pipelines are outdated, adversely affecting water quality in urban areas. These aging pipes are prone to rust and leakage, causing regular service interruptions. Hence, he urges the government to invest in the infrastructural needs of urban water services to halt this downward trend and protect public health.
He elaborated that water infrastructure requires substantial financial investments for maintenance and upgrading. GWL is experiencing over 50% water loss before it reaches consumers due to inadequate management of these outdated systems. He emphasized that as urban water demand grows, additional funding is necessary to improve reliability and safety in the water supply.
Musah also pointed out that Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector is heavily reliant on foreign aid, with 92% of funding in 2023 coming from donor sources, a rise from previous years. Meanwhile, government allocations have dramatically decreased. He insists that this reliance on external funds is unsustainable and that the Government of Ghana (GoG) must increase its investment to achieve universal WASH access and meet Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG Goal 6.
He called for stronger government ownership in financing the WASH sector and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in facilitating infrastructure investments. Urban areas like Tamale and Cape Coast face severe water shortages as the population continues to grow, while rural regions also require considerable financial resources for improved water supply.
Mr. Musah pointed out that illegal mining activities threaten the water intake points for GWL, worsening the situation. He advocated for increased funding for the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) reform initiatives aimed at enhancing rural water delivery.
In addition to water supply, he emphasized the need for investments in hygiene infrastructure across public spaces. The erosion of hygiene progress made during the post-COVID-19 period presents significant health risks, as stagnant water collects in uncovered areas.
On waste management, Musah proposed separating organic from inorganic waste to allow the production of biogas and fertilizer. He cited successful pilot projects by Safisana Ghana that demonstrate the potential for biogas generation. Furthermore, he urged the government to foster an environment that attracts private investment, thereby creating job opportunities and promoting a circular economy for waste management initiatives.
In summary, the outdated water distribution pipelines in Ghana are critically affecting water quality and supply, necessitating governmental investment to restore reliable services. The dependence on foreign aid poses sustainability challenges to the WASH sector, stressing the need for increased domestic financing and public-private partnerships. Additionally, innovative waste management techniques and strong governance can enhance public health and resource management in Ghana.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
