Ghana Water Limited’s Outdated Infrastructure Affects Water Quality

WaterAid Ghana’s Mr. Ibrahim Musah has identified Ghana Water Limited’s outdated distribution pipelines as a key factor hampering water quality. He calls for increased government investment to upgrade infrastructure and highlights the heavy reliance on donor funding in the WASH sector. Sustainable waste management practices and public-private partnerships are essential to addressing the ongoing challenges.

Mr. Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, has expressed concerns regarding the outdated distribution pipelines of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), which have adversely affected the water quality accessible to urban residents. The deteriorating pipes frequently rust and break, necessitating repetitive repairs and causing significant disruptions in supply.

Mr. Musah has called for governmental financial support to revitalize the operations of the urban water distributor, citing the capital-intensive nature of water infrastructure. He emphasized that substantial investments are needed to upgrade ageing pipelines and enhance the provision of safe water for the population.

The negative implications of lacking necessary maintenance and upgrades are evident, as GWL reportedly loses over fifty percent of the water produced prior to reaching consumers. This leakage presents a profound challenge, particularly amidst increasing water demands in urban habitats. Despite initiatives to enhance infrastructure, GWL requires more resources to ensure reliability and sustainability in water supply.

During a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Musah highlighted that Ghana’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector is heavily reliant on donor funding. In 2022, donations constituted seventy-three percent of the sector’s budget, while government financing accounted for only twenty-two percent. Alarmingly, donor contributions rose to ninety-two percent in 2023, resulting in reduced government funding to eight percent.

Consequently, Mr. Musah urged the Government of Ghana (GoG) to take decisive actions to reverse this trend to facilitate universal access to WASH services and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Goal 6. He underscored the need for governmental ownership of financing efforts and encouraged collaboration with the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

He also pointed to urgent funding requirements for regional capitals and rural areas experiencing severe water shortages. The ongoing issues are exacerbated by illegal mining activities contaminating river bodies that serve as GWL’s intake sources, specifically observed in the Central, Western, Eastern, and Ashanti regions. Additionally, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) requires sustainable funding to broaden its operations effectively.

Mr. Musah further discussed the precarious state of hygiene infrastructure and education in public areas, advocating for investment in these sectors as highlighted in the Ghana WASH Sector Development Programme. He reported that the progress made in hygiene initiatives following COVID-19 has diminished, raising health concerns due to stagnant water attracting vectors for diseases.

On sanitation issues, he stressed the importance of separating organic from inorganic waste. Proper segregation can pave the way for waste management firms to convert organic materials into beneficial products like biogas and fertilizer, which Ghana currently imports extensively. He also recommended the adoption of circular economy principles to enhance waste management effectively and sustainably.

In conclusion, Mr. Ibrahim Musah’s remarks highlight critical issues surrounding the state of water supply in Ghana, specifically the outdated infrastructure and dependence on donor funding. Urgent government investment and strategic private sector partnerships are necessary to enhance the WASH sector, reduce water losses, and improve hygiene standards. Implementing innovative waste management practices could further contribute to sustainable development and public health.

Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com