The article discusses the challenges facing Ghana Water Limited due to outdated pipelines, resulting in poor water quality and supply disruptions. Mr. Ibrahim Musah from WaterAid Ghana highlights the need for government investment and partnerships with the private sector to improve infrastructure and sanitation efforts. Emphasis is placed on the unsustainable reliance on donor funding and the importance of adopting circular economy principles for waste management.
The deterioration of Ghana Water Limited’s (GWL) distribution pipelines is significantly compromising water quality in urban areas, according to Mr. Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana. He emphasized that the aging infrastructure leads to frequent rusting and bursting of pipes, resulting in water supply disruptions. Musah urges the government to invest considerably in urban water distribution to resolve these issues.
He detailed that the infrastructure requires substantial capital investment for the replacement of outdated pipelines to ensure the delivery of safe water to communities. Musah highlighted a troubling level of waste, with over half of the water produced by GWL reportedly lost before reaching consumers. This issue is exacerbated by increasing urban water demand, making improvements to the existing infrastructure imperative.
Musah noted that Ghana’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector is heavily reliant on donor funding, with 73% of the 2022 budget coming from such sources and only 22% from the Government of Ghana (GoG). The trend is worsening, as indicated by a rise in donor funding to 95% in 2024, with government contributions falling to just 5%. He argues that for Ghana to achieve comprehensive WASH initiatives and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG Goal 6, the government must take financial responsibility.
Moreover, Musah stresses the critical need for partnerships with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to fund water infrastructure projects. Water shortages are evident in regional capitals like Tamale and Kumasi, where demand surpasses supply, and rural areas also face severe needs for investment.
He called attention to the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities on river bodies that serve as GWL intake points, particularly affecting water quality in regions such as Central and Western Ghana. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) requires sustainable funding to effectively manage rural water delivery.
Investment is also necessary for hygiene infrastructure in public areas, as diminishing hygiene program advances since COVID-19 have exacerbated health risks, resulting in stagnant water breeding disease-carrying insects.
In terms of sanitation, Musah advocated for the separation of organic and inorganic waste to enable transformative waste management practices. He cited projects like those from Safisana Ghana Limited, which have utilized organic waste to generate biogas, as successful examples of sustainable waste use. He suggested implementing circular economy principles as a solution for unsanitary conditions in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
In conclusion, Musah asserts that creating a supportive environment for private sector investment will not only enhance waste management solutions but also provide employment opportunities for the youth, leading to a more prosperous nation. He believes that promoting circular economy practices is critical for Ghana’s sustainable development.
In summary, the condition of GWL’s aging pipelines significantly undermines the quality of water supplied to urban residents in Ghana, necessitating urgent government action for capital investment. The WASH sector’s reliance on donor funding is unsustainable, and a partnership approach with the private sector is essential for addressing both water supply and sanitation challenges. Furthermore, the separation of waste types and the adoption of circular economy principles present viable pathways to improving Ghana’s hygiene and sanitation infrastructure. Ultimately, these measures are crucial for enhancing public health and achieving national development goals.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
