REPUBLIC OF GHANA
------------MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVRNMENT,
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT
------------BIRIM NORTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
BIRIM NORTH DISTRICT WATER
AND SANITATION PLAN
August 2008
GROUPE D’ETUDE
DE
RECHERCHE
ET D’APPUI AU
DÉVELOPPEMENT
Sicap Sacré Cœur III Villa N° 9231 - BP : 16473 Dakar/Fann, Sénégal
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Tel: 221-33 869-37-93 / Fax: 221-33 827-94-99 / Email: [email protected] /[email protected] /
Web: www.geradsn.org
Content
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................6
I- INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................7
1-1 Preamble ................................................................................................................................. 7
1-2 Implementing strategy ............................................................................................................. 9
1-3 Approach ................................................................................................................................. 9
1-4 Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 10
A-ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSIS ..............................................................................................................13
A-1 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT .........................................................................................13
A.1.1. Geographical location and District size ............................................................................. 13
A.1.2. Climate and vegetation...................................................................................................... 13
A.1.3. Geology and soils .............................................................................................................. 14
A.2. DEMOGRAPHY AND HUMAN RESOURCES ......................................................................................16
A.2.1. Population size and distribution ......................................................................................... 16
A-2-2 Level of education of the population .................................................................................. 17
A.2.2. Ethnic structure ................................................................................................................. 18
A.2.3. Population distribution by Area Council ............................................................................. 19
A.2.4. Urban/rural duality ............................................................................................................. 21
A-2-5 Household activities and expenditures............................................................................... 21
A.3. POVERTY ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................................23
A-3-1 Level of access to basic social services........................................................................... 23
A.4. ROLE OF THE ACTORS CONCERNED ..............................................................................................26
A.4.1.The District Assembly......................................................................................................... 26
A.4.2. Urban/municipal councils and Unity Committees .............................................................. 26
A.4.3.The technical departments ................................................................................................. 26
A.4.4 The Traditional Assemblies ................................................................................................ 26
A.5. THE WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE PROBLEMS ..................................................................27
A.5.1. Survey on the potable water sector ................................................................................... 27
A.5.1.1. Access and use of water ............................................................................................ 28
A.5.1.2. Coverage of water demand ........................................................................................ 31
A.5.2. Access to sanitation facilities ............................................................................................. 34
A.5.2.1. Identification and typology of sanitation facilities ........................................................ 34
A.5.2.2. Analysis of water/hygiene/health relations ................................................................. 38
B- STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESS TO WATER AND
SANITATION ................................................................................................................................................39
B-1 STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS ..............................................................................................................39
B-2 IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIONS ...........................................................................................................40
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B-2-1 Improved access to water .................................................................................................. 40
B-2-2 Improved access to sanitation infrastructures .................................................................... 41
CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................................................................42
Maps
Map 1 : Location of Birim North District ....................................................................................... 16
Map 2 : Distribution of the District population .............................................................................. 20
Map 3 : Location of basic social equipment within the District ..................................................... 24
Map 4 : Location of water supply facilities ................................................................................... 29
Map 5 : Drinking water coverage ................................................................................................. 33
Map 6: Location of sanitation facilities ......................................................................................... 35
Map 7 : Sanitation coverage rate ................................................................................................. 37
Tables
Table 1 : Age and sex distribution of the population ........................................................................ 17
Table 2 : Level of Education of the population ................................................................................. 18
Table 3 : Population distribution by Area Council............................................................................. 19
Table 4 : Typology of basic social equipment .................................................................................. 23
Table 5 : Access level for vulnerable persons .................................................................................. 25
Table 6 : Main water supply sources................................................................................................ 28
Table 7 : Level of operation of water supply facilities ....................................................................... 30
Table 8 : Access terms to drinking water ......................................................................................... 31
Table 9 : Drinking water coverage rate ............................................................................................ 32
Table 10: Summary of issues and solutions..................................................................................... 41
Figures
Figure 1 : Ethnic distribution of the population ............................................................................. 19
Figure 2 : Main occupations of sample heads of household ........................................................ 22
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AEPHA
Access to Safe Water, Hygiene and Sanitation
CBO
Community Based Organisation
CWSA
Community Water and Sanitation Agency
DWSO
District Water and Sanitation
DWSP
District Water and Sanitation Plan
DWST
District Water and Sanitation Teams
EPA
Environnemental Protection Agency
GWCL
Ghana Water Company Limited
HDW
Hand Dug Wells
LG
Local Government
LGA
Local Government Act
LI
Legislative Instrument
MoWRWH
Ministère des Ressources Hydrauliques et du Logement
OMD
Development Millenium Goals
PNDC
Provisionnal National Defense Council
PS
Piped Systems
PURC
Public Utilities Regulatory
RH
Rain Harvesting
VIP
Ventilated Pit Latrines
WAG
WaterAid Ghana
WATSAN
Water and Sanitation Committees
WRC
Water Resources Commission
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Birim North District has a population of 122,513 unevenly distributed throughout the
district and highly concentrated in urban areas. Actually, 43% of its total population is
concentrated in urban Area Councils.
Mainly composed of adult, its population is characterized by ethnic plurality, including
several minority groups besides the major ethnic group, the Akyem.
The major economic activity is farming but it generates low incomes and does not allow
the populations covering the whole of their daily needs. The diagnosis reveals that farmers
and people at risk, namely disabled people and people living with HIV/AIDS, because of
their low incomes, are the poorest.
Institutionally, Birim North District is headed by the District Assembly that became the
major deliberative body under the decentralization laws. For the definition and
implementation of local development actions, it is supported by the decentralized
departments of the State.
In the field of water supply to the populations, major supply sources are boreholes, stand
pipes and traditional wells. However, those sources are highly shortcoming, to cover the
needs of a fast growing population. Under such circumstances, many households are
compelled to resorting to water from rivers and streams, to cover their daily needs. This is
conducive to proliferation of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, bilharziasis, and
guinea worm, among others.
Similarly, in the field of Hygiene/sanitation, the situation is worrying for within the
district many households do not have domestic latrines. Therefore, most of identified toilet
facilities are traditional ones and do not meet hygiene standards. Combined with
prevailing bad hygiene and sanitation practices, such situation accelerates the degradation
of people’s living environment and health condition. The diagnosis actually points out to
prevailing unhealthy environment borne diseases.
Therefore, to tackle the various water and sanitation issues one needs to build water
supply and sanitation facilities accessible to all and organize awareness-raising campaigns
on the necessity to comply with hygiene and sanitation principles.
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I- INTRODUCTION
1-1 Preamble
Independent since 1957, the republic of Ghana is one of the sub-Saharan countries of
Africa that based its development policy on participative development strategy using the
decentralisation process as governance rule. Inheritance from British colonization
influenced the political choices of its successive rulers and the involvement of all society
stakeholders in the management of the country has always prevailed as a major trend. This
is concretely materialized through the consensual definition of administrative, legal,
political and economic frameworks enabling all stakeholders to express their ideas and
fixing the limits of the central government’s scope of authority, as compared with local
governments.
Consistently with the Anglo-Saxon assumption, the State is not the primary holder of all
competences, some of which need to be transferred to its organic and territorial
components. The overall smaller units are combined to build and confer the State with
some federative competences. That is the meaning of the notion of «devolution of power»,
dear to the Anglo-Saxons. This approach is completely different from that adopted by
most of the other countries in the region, where the constitution leaves it to ordinary
legislators to define the competences of the local governments. In Ghana, the cardinal
values of decentralization are based on principles such as autonomy, subsidiarity,
accountability (to voters) and concomitant transfer of a certain number of competences
(human and material) from the State to local governments.
Theoretically launched in the country since 1985, the decentralization process was
effectively enforced with the adoption of the new 1992 constitution that conferred to local
governments under one of the bills of the 1993 Local Government Act with below
prerogatives:
 Elaboration and execution of plans, programmes and strategies for effective
mobilisation of necessary resources for District development;
 Fixing and levying of fiscal taxes, taxes and other charges.
The development plans that are Districts strategic planning documents pose development
issues and define mainlines for interventions in priority sectors (education, health, road
infrastructures, water-hygiene-sanitation, etc.). Development plans are implemented with
the own resources of local governments and additional resources from the central
government but also with the technical and financial support of some development
partners.
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As for the water and sanitation sector, some District could prepare their own WaterHygiene-Sanitation Sector Plans. Thus, the sector plan is a strategic document to define a
political vision in the concerned sector. It is a decision support instrument for the water,
sanitation and hygiene sector. DWSP is a coordination tool resulting from Participative
Diagnosis undertaken with all concerned parties and/or stakeholders within the District
territory. It expresses the consensual vision of all stakeholders that validated the results of
the Participative Diagnosis and the strategic orientations defined on the basis of the
solutions the District has proposed and is intending to operationalize. DWSP accelerates
the achievement of the related objectives of the poverty reduction strategic framework,
which is the national reference frame for strategic development orientation and those of
the MDGs.
Along with a certain number of partners, WaterAid Ghana supports the implementation of
projects in favor of vulnerable communities in some Districts. WaterAid’s intervention fits
into the policy of the national action undertaken within the global framework of
achievement of the MDGs for local PWSHS, in four West African countries.
For WAG, its option to base its action on this approach is justified by the national
engagement in the PWSHS sector, is one of the major levers ensuring effective and
transparent provision of water and sanitation services, because:
 The services will be more sustainable since requiring, in that process the
involvement of local populations;
 Intolerable practices such as, late provision of services and other poor service
performance levels will be reduced and controlled;
 Local populations closely and regularly collaborate with the communes or local
governments and other service providers, with regard to constant accountability of
their actions;
 Responsibilities will be clearly shared among the populations and the commune;
 The nationals/populations will contribute to smooth implementation of PWSHS
plans and strategies.
Throughout the country, Development plans of most District Assemblies include WaterHygiene-Sanitation sector plans. However, for a certain number of objective reasons they
do not pose the water and sanitation issue within the community, in terms of specific
concerns (poverty profile, geographical and financial accessibility to facilities, etc.).
For WAG the DWSP format should be broadly integrated within the framework of its
interventions so much so that to foster advocacy for the mobilization of resources. Thus,
for its action to be more effective, while keeping up with the logic of national action and
making its intervention consistent with national policies WAG tries to support local
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governments in better planning water and sanitation sector related actions by adapting the
implementing strategic reference frame (DWSP) to its intervention strategy.
1-2 Implementing strategy
The space unit of WaterAid Ghana’s intervention is the District. That is the decentralised
grassroots organisation under the District Assembly that as a matter of fact is supposed to
guarantee for the population the requested conditions for sustainable development since
being closer to them. Under that prospect, the major objective of WaterAid Ghana is to
improve access to potable water, to sanitation facilities and promote general hygienic
conditions. The participative approach through the application of the MARP tool has been
requested in order to reach such major objective. Actually, the DWSP was elaborated
under the prospect of:
 Consistence with both national and sector development policies: actually, the
proposed activities may contribute to further development of decentralization process and
implementation of DWSP, and obviously to poverty reduction by covering the deemed
priority needs of local populations.
 Synergy in the proposed actions: synergy could be easily promoted through other
poverty reduction actions.
The conducted Participative Diagnosis clearly showed that the underlying cause of
poverty is relevant to lack of access to basic social services. Generally, vulnerable groups
and the poorest are the mostly affected since having poor or even no access to the
requested financial resources to enable them having adequate access to basic social
facilities and equipments.
 Convergence for more tangible and sustainable performances in poverty
reduction: such convergence and integration effort within the poverty reduction strategy
is considered as a precondition to enhance the achievement of DWSP objectives.
1-3 Approach
Elaborating District DSWP not only requires a strategy but also an approach to be mainly
based on three major principles: local governance and national action where coordination
of data collection is undertaken by decentralized grassroots organizations such as District
Water and Sanitation Teams (DWSTs), Implementing Partners (IPs), etc. That means,
giving local population more sense of responsibility, under the prospects of an
enhancement of the emergence of an issued capital among the group of users.
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Promote accountability principle through learning, to provide local populations with
means for action. Actually, to enhance the capacities for control and participation in
decision making, namely in the management of local affairs, capacity building is
necessary for all concerned parties (field staffs). The principle of equity through
implementation of a participative process provides the communities with the opportunity
to systematically analyze and discuss the local situation and raises awareness of existing
problems and possible solutions, as well.
1-4 Methodology
The major outlines of DWSP making process, as shown in our technical bid clearly state
that our proposed option is participative approach with strong involvement of local
communities in situational analysis and problem enunciation.
1. The coordination meeting
The aim of the meeting was to share views on the methodology and agree upon
organizational and logistic aspects. During that meeting the following issues were
discussed:
 The planning for the conduct of subsequent DWSP making stages in the ten
Districts ;
 The process to implement those stages: the number of missions and the content of
each mission as well;
 The various expected results and its reporting formats;
At the end of the meeting, we elaborated a flowchart displaying the main phase of the
subsequent study stages, namely, statistic data, and cartographic data base and data
collection methodologies in the concerned areas.
2. Data collection
a. Literature search and processing
As regard the data collection process, we started with the search and processing of
available data on our target area. Several types of documents were processed, namely:
 Specific information on water, hygiene and sanitations sectors collected from
DSWOs and some WaterAid’s IPs;
 Report and statistic data compendium at WAG;
 Complementary information in the Internet.
b. Sampling and proposed collection tool
In the course of preparing our mission, the WAG team provided our team with statistic
information on the ten target teams, namely the communities and its population size.
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Nevertheless, this information had a certain limitation since the communities were not tied
up to their respective Areas Councils. Notwithstanding, for the conduct of the household
survey we proposed a sampling to WAG team. Thus, referring to the size of a District we
first estimated the number of household in a District, 21,0101 and proposed survey sample
was 2655, say 1/10.
However, the processing of the household survey questionnaire using Sphinx software
revealed that the initially proposed sampling of 2,655 households was reduced and became
140 households.
In addition, and with respect to complying with the objectives of the study, the mission
team prepared some survey tools, namely:
 Interview guide on national participation: it aims at assessing the level
participation of nationals in order to analyze governance and democracy at the
local level.
 Interview guide for identifying grassroots organizations: it should allow
assessing the level of social organization.
 Interview guide for focus-groups with main resources persons in the
communities: It provides basic information on the social structure and main
development activities.
 Household questionnaires: it gives quantitative information on living standards
and access to basic social equipment and facilities.
 On top of the tools the team of WAG proposed a guide for Districts institutional
diagnosis: it was supposed to help understanding the profile of resources persons
in Local Governments.
c. Instructors’ Training
January 30 to 31, 2008 instructors’ training session was rather an exchange and discussion
workshop among the mission team and the participants. Considering their good
knowledge of the target survey area, the participants suggested a reformulation of some
questions and use of data collection methodologies more consistent with their sociocultural environment.
4. Data processing
a. Data entry
Practical training on the use of Sphinx software (data processing) enable the data entry
operators, entering household, community and grassroots organizations’ data. The
aggregated data was entered using Excel template to construct a digital data base to be
used a material for mapping design.
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According to the WAG the average size of households is nearly 5,876 persons, and the number of
households in the District is calculated on that basis.
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b. The cartographic analysis
The maps were prepared using ArcView that includes a compatibility link. The various
conducted analysis allowed making thematic maps (population map, equipment map,
equipment coverage map, etc.); this made it possible to provide the users with decision
support tool to be used in planning.
c. Analyzing the raw data
The whole of the quantitative and qualitative information collected at the level of the
communities was used to aliment a data base, enabling Areas Councils and Districts level
regroupings. The primal assumptions considered in making this report were formulated on
the basis of the whole of the information generated in that framework.
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A-ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSIS
A-1 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT
The natural, human and economic situation of a locality is a key reference data,
fundamental in the process of situational analysis prior to development problematic
formulation.
For the water and sanitation sector, population data are always considered on a
conventional standard basis to assess the coverage ratio of populations’ needs. Admittedly,
needs expression is not identical in urban and rural settings. Within the scope of DWSP
elaboration, the study was based on a review of the natural and population data (both
quantitative and qualitative contained in the data base) in order to define some outlines to
be used as benchmarks when conducting our global analysis.
A.1.1. Geographical location and District size
Birim North District was established in 1987 subsequently to the split of Birim urban
district, within the scope of the national decentralization programme. Birim North District
is administratively tied up to the Eastern region of Ghana and is one of its 21 Districts. It
stretches over 1,250 Km2; say 6.5% of the total surface of the eastern region.
Birim North District is located at the South-west of the eastern region of Ghana. It is
bounded:
- In the East by Kwalibirem and Atiwa Districts,
- In the West by East Amansie and South Adansi Districts (Ashanti region),
- In the North and North-east by Kwahu West District,
- In the South and South-east by Akyemansa, a newly created District in 2008 from
Birim North District.
New Abirem, the District Capital is a hub locality tied up to several urban commercial
centres (Nkawkaw, Oda and Kade). Owing to such position, it plays an important role in
the District’s economy.
A.1.2. Climate and vegetation
The climate of Birim North District is semi-equatorial with two rainy seasons: the first one
stretches from the end of March to the beginning of July, and the second starts from midAugust until end of October. Annual average rainfall is 1,750 mm with some peaks
reaching 2,000 mm in June and September.
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There are also two dry seasons: the shorter one in July and the longer one from November
to March covers 5 months. Temperatures vary from minimal 25°C to maximal 28°C, with
moderate humidity.
These weather conditions are highly favourable to Birim North economic development.
Actually, with two rainy seasons and abundant precipitations, several agricultural products
can be cultivated. This enables meeting the populations’ food requirements and substantial
increase of household incomes. That is why Birim North is considered as one of the major
agricultural Districts of the country.
In addition, the abundance of rainfalls and existence of dense hydrographic network (Pra
and Birim rivers, and their tributaries: Nwi, Mamang, Adechensu, Sukrang and Afosu) are
great assets in solving drinking water access problems. Actually, with high amount of
rainfall and existence of many rivers and streams, there is important water potential in
both underground and shallow water sheets. This facilitates the construction of wells with
big diameters and mechanically driven boreholes.
As far as the flora is concerned, Birim North District is located in the semi-forest zone
with deciduous leaves. There are also are big trees with persistent leaves. This type of
vegetation prevents soil erosion and enhances fertility. This contributes to increased high
agricultural yields. In addition, it is favourable to the development of fruit collection
activities enabling local populations to have diversified diets.
In addition, Birim North District has several animal resources, the exploitation of which,
through hunting activity also contributes to meeting populations’ food requirements.
However, because of developing cocoa production, developing timber industry and
frequent bushfires, the flora is degrading. This is a serious ecologic threat and real danger
for the socioeconomic future of the District.
A.1.3. Geology and soils
The geologic and pedologic structure of the District is mainly birimian type quartz and
schist granite. Owing to such geologic diversity, the District has various mining
potentialities operated by mining companies and small scale private operators.
The analysis of the pedologic structure of the District shows five (5) major soil categories:
 Swedru-nsaba/ofin: This type of soil is the predominant category in the District.
These are soils lying on granite, located in the northern part of the District, around
Pankese and Nkwateng.
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This first category is composed of two (2) sub-categories: on the one hand, Swedru-nsaba
propitious to the development of arboriculture, arable crops and cocoa productions. On the
other hand we have Nta-ofin that are suitable soils for arboriculture, arable crops and offer
very high cocoa productions. These also are very favourably disposed to market
gardening, sugarcane and rice cultivation.
 Atewa-atukron-asikuma-ansu: This soil category covers a small part of the District.
This is unproductive soil resulting from its high acidity. It is nevertheless
propitious to coffee production, arboriculture and silviculture.
 Juaso-manso-delia: This type of soil is located at Noyen, Prasokuma and Atobiaso.
It is shallow and of dark brown colour and unfit for many types of farming
activities.
 Bekwai-oda: These types of soils are mainly found at New Abirem and Ntronang.
The Bekwai is unfit for arboriculture and arable crops such as coffee, cocoa, corn,
citrus fruits, plantain, sweet potato, etc. the Oda sequence generally found in the
vicinity of rivers and streams remains propitious for rice-growing.
 Birim-chichiwere: covers the southern part of the District, around Edubia. These
are deep erosion-proof soils, propitious for arboriculture and arable crops.
After all is said and done Birim North District has a diversified pedologic structure
enabling the development of several agricultural products to meet local populations’ food
requirements and increase their financial resources.
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Map 1 : Location of Birim North District
A.2. DEMOGRAPHY AND HUMAN RESOURCES
A.2.1. Population size and distribution
According to the results of the 2000 population census, the population of Birim North
district is 122,513. This population covers 1,250 km2; say average density of 98
inhabitants per km2. This is quite relatively low as compared to the other Districts of the
Eastern region.
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The study on the sex composition of the population shows almost equality of both sexes
with 50.5% women and 49.5% men. Moreover, the sex ratio is one man for one woman.
This average reflect the general situation, sex ratio in almost all Area Councils never
exceeds 1.1.
Table 1 : Age and sex distribution of the population
Age group
Male
Female
Total
O-14 years
15-64 years
65 and more
Total
23.4%
23.6%
2.5%
22.5%
25.3%
2.7%
45.9%
48.9%
5.2%
49.5%
50.5%
100%
Source: Household Survey, WAG 2008
As for the age structure, we can see a slight predominance of adults that represent 54.1%
of the total number of people, against 45.9% children. Such tendency reflects the overall
situation, throughout the District. In fact, except for Praman, in all the other Area
Councils, people over 15 represent more than one half of the population.
A-2-2 Level of education of the population
According to available data2, there are 106 schools in Birim North District, including 37
preschools, 64 primary schools, one secondary school and 2 religious schools. These
schools facilities are unevenly distributed throughout the District. Actually, Akoase and
Praman Areas concentrate 45.3% and 35.8% of school facilities, respectively.
The review on the results of the household survey shows that out of a schoolable3
population of 403 children, 383 attend the various schools in the District; which gives a
school enrolment rate of 95%. However, this rate varies from 100% at Afosu to 91% and
Praman. On a gender prospect, the analysis of school enrolment rates shows 99% school
attendance rate for boys against 87% for girls. However, in Afosu and Pankese areas,
school enrolment rate among girls is 100%.
This high school enrolment rate is mainly explained by the existence of a quite high
number of school facilities and substantial expenditures for the education sector. Actually,
except Old Abirem all communities have primary schools; and the results of the diagnosis
show that education is the main item of household expenditures.
2
. These data relate to Praman, Akoase, Afosu and Pankese areas councils.
. It refers to children between 6 and 15 years.
3
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The attendance rate is also acceptable, 93.7% for the whole District. Moreover, in many
area districts, it is 100% among girls.
Table 2 : Level of Education of the population
Schoolable children (6 to
15years)
Number of schooled children
Areas
Council
Boys
Not
2
Available
Afosu/Abi
43
rem
Girls
Total
3
5
37
Boys
Girls
Total
Rate
2
3
5
100%
80
45
37
82
% of schooled %
Children % of Children
Children
attending children
by attending school not
attending
school regularly
gender
regularly
school regularly
Boys
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
Girls
Girls
Total
Boys
2
5
7
100%
100%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
43
35
78
100%
100%
96%
95%
4%
5%
Akoasi
74
58
132
72
52
124
94%
53
54
107
97%
90%
74%
100%
26%
0%
Pankese
29
17
46
28
17
45
98%
26
17
43
97%
100%
93%
100%
7%
0%
Praman
56
84
140
63
64
127
91%
62
62
124
100%
76%
98%
97%
2%
3%
Total
204
199
403
210
173
383
95%
186
173
359
99%
87%
89%
100%
11%
0%
Source: Household surveys, WAG 2008
Generally speaking, within the District, the schooling level is acceptable for according to
the results of the diagnosis, 69.1% of the population is alphabetized with 12.6% in
English, 3.9% in local language and 43.4% in local language combined with English.
The literacy level of a great part of the population, the high schooling rate and the
acceptable attendance level rates, namely among girls, are considerable assets for the
enhancement of sustainable socioeconomic development. Similarly, it will contribute to
the development of sanitation within the various communities in the District thanks to
good knowledge of hygiene principles.
A.2.2. Ethnic structure
Following the example of other Districts in the Eastern region, Birim North is
characterized by ethnic multiplicity with several minority ethnic groups besides the
majority group, the Akyems. Actually, the results of the diagnosis show that the Akyems
represent 23.3% of the total population, followed by the Ewes (10.3%) and Akans (7.5%).
The other ethnic groups are the Akuapems, Guans, Krobos, Asantes, Dagombas, Hausas,
etc.
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Figure 1 : Ethnic distribution of the population
Source: Household surveys, WAG 2008
A.2.3. Population distribution by Area Council
The analysis of the data4 in the table below shows an uneven distribution of the
population, highly concentrated in urban Areas. In fact, Akoase, Afosu and New Abirem
urban areas concentrate 43% of the total population. On the other hand, rural areas are
sparsely populated. As an illustration, 14 rural areas account for 38.4% of the total
population of the District. Such situation particularly gives cause for concern as
demographic concerns assume continuous urbanisation and drop of population growth in
rural Areas.
Table 3 : Population distribution by Area Council
Area Council
Population 2006
Percentage
Akoase
8,583
9.7%
Afosu
5,293
6.1%
New Abirem
5,149
5.8%
Amuana Praso
4,108
4.7%
Pankese
3,332
3.8%
Nkwarteng
2,961
3.4%
Ntronang
2,746
3.1%
Mamaso
2,642
3%
Tweapease
1,464
1.7%
Adausena
1,420
1.6%
Noyem
1,393
1.6%
TOTAL
87,989
100%
Source: DPCU, Birim North District (2006)
This uneven population distribution throughout Area Councils is a major hindrance for the
socioeconomic development of the District. High concentration of people in urban centres
4
. These data come from demographic projections made by Birim North district services. Some localities of the district are not taken
into account.
19
leads to high demand for basic social services against a context of budget shortage and
lack of water supply and sanitation facilities at the District Assembly level.
Map 2 : Distribution of the District population
20
A.2.4. Urban/rural duality
In Birim North District, urban centres are defined on the basis of demographic criteria.
Actually, any locality with more than 5,000 inhabitants is considered as urban area. Thus,
at the 1984 census the District counted two urban centres, namely Ayirebi (5,805
inhabitants) and Akoase (5,030 inhabitants). Subsequently to population growth in New
Abirem, Akokoaso, Afosu and Ofoase this number has increased by six (6) in 2006. True
to demographic predictions, there will be seven (7) urban centres in the District, in 2009.
The urban population that was 43% in 2006 will become 49.3% in 2009. Such urban
population growth is mainly explained by high birth rate and high migrations towards
urban Areas. Most equipment, facilities and services are located in New Abirem, Akoase
and Afosu urban centres, etc. attracting every year many rural migrants; this further
enhances it population growth.
High population growth in urban Areas is detrimental to rural centres. According to
demographic predictions by the relevant District services, Birim North rural population
will drop from 57% in 2006 to 50.7% in 2009. This constant drop in population size is
clearly illustrated by very low population growth in the localities of Noyem, Adausena,
Tweapease.
The high level of urbanization further enhances the constraints to potable water and
sanitation service access. Actually, urban populations grow fast in a context of shortage of
water supply and sanitation facilities. Such situation that highly impedes the
socioeconomic development of urban Areas shows how relevant it is to install water
supply and sanitation facilities, to be accessible for all.
It is also important to revitalize rural Areas in order to promote well balanced space
occupation. In that respect, it is necessary to establish basic social facilities, namely in the
water, hygiene and sanitation sector.
A-2-5 Household activities and expenditures
In Birim North District, the main sector of the economy if farming. In fact, the field
survey results show that 82.1% of the heads of households, in the sample are involved in
farming activities. The development of farming activities is enhanced by favourable
climatic conditions with two rainy season and abundant rainfall (1,750 mm on average).
Diversified pedologic features also contribute to agricultural development since enabling
diversification of agricultural products.
In addition, the existing very dense hydrographic network is contributing for farming
activity. The existence of Pra and Birim rivers and numerous subsidiaries favours the
development of market gardening and irrigated farming. However, farming activity is
21
more and more under the threat of population growth and development of mining
activities, with the settlement of many companies. Such situation results in the reduction
of available farmlands.
The major agricultural products of the District are: cocoa, coffee, corn, citrus fruits, rice
oil palm, etc.
Figure 2 : Main occupations of sample heads of household
Source: Household Surveys, WAG 2008
Administration, trade and business sectors are poorly represented with 6.2% and 9%,
respectively. These activities are mainly conducted in urban centres such as Akoase,
Ofoase, Afosu, and New Abirem where most administrative, industrial and commercial
units are located. The existence of many commercial urban centres such as Nkawkaw, Oda
and Kade and many trading equipment, including 190 shops and 12 permanent markets
enhanced the development of commercial activities within the District.
The other economic activities are livestock breeding, fishing and craft industry, etc. it
involves 2.8% of the sample heads of household.
As regards household expenditures, the results of the assessment show that education with
27% of the sample is top ranking expenditure. It is closely followed by food and health
care with 25.2% and 25%, respectively. The other expenditures, namely relating to
transports, hygiene and sanitation are poorly represented with less than 21%.
22
A.3. POVERTY ASSESSMENT
Poverty is firstly considered as none access to basic needs (food, housing, basic social
services). Such conception of the poverty phenomenon also integrates other elements such
as inability to fulfill social obligations. Generally, poverty results from combination of
several interrelated factors such as access to basic social services that even are its
basement.
A-3-1 Level of access to basic social services
The qualitative information from focus-group discussions together with household surveys
and interviews with resource persons in the District allowed assessing the level of
equipment.
 Identification of basic social equipment:
The assessment of existing equipment revealed a high number of family latrines, however,
to compensate for possible risks of biasing the analysis of the service coverage, family
latrines were not counted.
Table 4 : Typology of basic social equipment
Typology of facilities
School facilities
Health facilities
Commercial facilities
Operating watering points
Operating sanitation facilities
TOTAL
Number
Frequency
107
54
202
130
180
15.9%
8%
30%
19.3%
26.7%
673
100%
Source: Household survey, WAG 2008
Nevertheless, the study showed a high number of sanitation facilities that apart from
commercial facilities are the most numerous, throughout the District territory.
23
Map 3 : Location of basic social equipment within the District
24
 Analysis of poverty status:
The assessment of the level of poverty within the District is mainly based on the amount
of annual income. Thus, any person or group of persons with lower annual income than
2/3 of the national average annual income is considered poor. According to the results of
the District Assembly performances improvement plan, 60.7% of the population is poor.
Very poor persons represent 20.2% of the total District population. These are persons with
lower annual income than 1/3 of the average national income.
Generally, more one half of the population has low income levels. This can be easily
understood since, true to the results of the diagnosis, 70% of the active population are
farmers and breeders. Moreover, incomes from those activities are unstable and
productions are mainly dedicated to food consumption.
The cross analysis of income levels and activity types shows that rural Areas concentrate a
highest proportion of the poor. Because of high concentration of farmers and breeders the
lowest income levels are found in those localities. In contrast, urban Areas concentrate the
highest income levels. This can be explained by the fact it is where major services,
administrative, commercial and industrial activities are located.
Poverty level assessment being based on income levels, we can state without any risk of
being mistaken that disabled people and people living with HIV/AIDS are the poorest
social strata. In fact, disabled people are secluded from productive circuits while AIDS
patients are often marginalized. This highly impedes their access to income sources
resulting in a degradation of the social and health conditions. In addition, the high
proportion of no responses further confirms such statement.
Table 5 : Access level for vulnerable persons
To appropriate
To water services
Access level for
sanitation systems
vulnerable persons
Number
Frequency
Number Frequency
No response
80
57%
95
68%
Yes
27
19%
15
11%
No
33
24%
30
21%
TOTAL
140
100%
140
100%
Source: Household surveys, WAG 2008
That’s why within the scope of poverty reduction action at the District level, it would be
appropriate to develop some programs in favour of vulnerable people so that to promote
homogeneous, harmonious and sustainable social development.
25
A.4. ROLE OF THE ACTORS CONCERNED
The review of the players’ activity within Birim North District shows that there are several
organizations. These are the District Assembly (D.A), the decentralized bodies of the State
and the traditional assemblies.
A.4.1.The District Assembly
The District Assembly is the District’s legislative body. This body is headed by the
District Chief Executive, elected for four (4) years, renewable terms of office provided it is
the same party in power.
The District Assembly is the highest administrative and political authority of the District.
It performs deliberative, legislative and executive functions. In that respect, the District
Assembly coordinates any development initiative at the local level. Thus, it ensures proper
coordination of the various actions undertaken by NGO, within the scope of the District
socioeconomic development. Similarly, it acts as institutional and legal support for the
implementation of development projects and programmes in the District.
A.4.2. Urban/municipal councils and Unity Committees
Besides the District Assembly, the current decentralized system includes urban/municipal
councils and unity committees as well. The latter ones, which establishment lies with
article 462 of the 1993 Code of Local Governments, are outreach organizations playing a
substantial role in the execution of grassroots development plans.
A.4.3.The technical departments
Within the scope of development projects and programmes implementation, the District
Assembly get technical support from the decentralized departments of the State. Actually,
the latter support and advises the District Assembly. Technical services are advisory
bodies and play a key role in the District’s development. In addition, some decentralized
bodies are involved in the implementation of water related actions, namely in technical bid
assessment, contract awarding, and in formulation of water and sanitation policies.
A.4.4 The Traditional Assemblies
There are three (3) traditional assemblies in Birim North District; say those of Akyem
Abuakwa, Akyem Bosome and that of Akyem Kotoku most influential one. These
traditional organisations are highly respected by local populations and may play an
important role in water supply and sanitation facilities construction. Actually, these could
26
act as levers in the information/awareness raising campaign to be organized for the
appropriation and good management of the facilities by the beneficiaries.
These various organizations permanently interact. In fact, they are bound by important
relationships of consultation and partnership for the elaboration and implementation of
development programmes at the District level.
A.5. THE WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE PROBLEMS
The study on the institutional management of water and sanitation in Ghana reveals that
the Ministry of water resources and Housing (MoWRWH) carries out the formulation of
various sector policies coordinate and manages water, hygiene and sanitation related
activities. In that task, it is supported by the Water Resources Commissions (WRC), the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
(PURC) and the District Assembly. Thus, the Ministry and the various above agencies
coordinate the water sector’s management process, from production to supply of both rural
and urban areas.
More specifically, urban water management is performed by Ghana Water Company
Limited (GWCL), this give water management in urban areas quasi-public characteristics
since GWCL is supported by a private agency (Aqua Vitens rand).
As regards rural areas, it is Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) that
undertakes the management of the water/sanitation in rural areas and urban areas with
small population size. In that connection, it supports the District Assembly that identifies
the District Water and Sanitation Teams (DWSTs). Besides this role, the District
Assembly undertakes end users selection, settlement of watering points and approves
water tariffs. With such organization system, water management is decentralized, since
both technical and financial activities are conducted with effective involvement of
beneficiary communities. As a reminder, the latter generally bear up to 5% of the facilities
construction cost.
In that sector, development partners support generally deals with technical aspects and
capacity building for people in charge of water and sanitation sectors’ management at the
local level.
A.5.1. Survey on the potable water sector
In Birim North District water sector is managed by the water and sanitation management
committee (WATSAN). The committee is composed of District Assembly members and is
27
supported by DWST. However, the latter does not have the requested material and logistic
means to properly support the water and sanitation management committee.
The major tasks of the water and sanitation management committee are: planning,
management and supervision of water and sanitation related actions within the District.
However, coordination of aspects relating to planning of water and sanitation related
actions is carried out by the local planning office.
A.5.1.1. Access and use of water
 The water supply sources
The major sources of water supply to District populations are boreholes, drinking
fountains, traditional wells (equipped with pumps), public standpipe from Small Town
Water Systems within the District and surface water (rivers and streams). However,
boreholes are the most used source. According to the results of the diagnosis, 57.1% of the
households supply from those drinking water sources.
Table 6 : Main water supply sources
Main water supply sources
Dray season
Rainy season
Number
%
Number
%
103
53.1%
89
61%
Standpipes
36
18.6%
Traditional wells equipped with pumps
41
21.1%
Individual Subscribers
7
3.6%
Others
7
3.6%
Total
194
100%
Source: Household surveys, WAG 2008
43
38
9
17
146
29.5%
26%
6.2%
11.6%
100%
Boreholes
Besides boreholes the District has other drinking water supply sources such as standpipes
and wells equipped with pumps. However, those modern facilities are confined to a few
localities: New Abirem, Amuana Praso, Akoasi, Yayaso, Manaso, Ntronang and Afosu.
Nevertheless, these various types of drinking water source are highly insufficient and
sometimes even too obsolete to cover the growing demand from District inhabitants.
Combined with acute poverty within the District this compels some households, namely in
Noyem, Amoa, Nkwarteng, Pankese, Mamanso, Old Abirem and Amenan areas to resort
to river and stream water. Actually, the explanation that nearly 80% of household
resorting to not potable water sources to justify their choice is distant geographic location
of modern watering point and their inability to pay water fees. Resorting to not potable
sources is favourable to the appearance of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and
faecal peril.
Rehabilitation and increase in number of modern water supply facilities is thus necessary
for better drinking water coverage within the District.
28
Map 4 : Location of water supply facilities
29
 Operating status of watering points
The available data show that there are 138 watering points, of which, 27 are not under
good condition of operation; say 19.6% operation rate. However, some disparities hide
behind this rate for varying from 15.2% in Akoase to 28.1% in Praman.
Table 7 : Level of operation of water supply facilities
Area Council
Operational
Non operational
Rate of operation
Afosu
22
4
15.4%
Akoase
50
9
15.2%
Pankesse
16
5
23.8%
Praman
23
9
28.1%
Total
111
27
Source: Field surveys, WAG 2008
19.6%
Some watering points not being in good condition of operation and flow rate being low in
many communities, the constraints to drinking water supply to the populations are further
enhanced. Such situation is highly impeding for the socioeconomic development of
District Area Councils.
 Access to watering points
Access to drinking water supply sources is posed in terms of distance from the watering
points, water collection time and amount of water available per capita and per day.
 Physical access: Physical access is assessed in terms of distance the populations
have to cover to reach watering points. Generally, the results of the diagnosis
show that supply sources are not far from dwelling units. Actually, 90.3% of
sample households have to go less than 500 m. In addition, nearly 70% of
households are located less than 200m from the main supply source. This further
justifies the fact that 76.3% of interviewed heads of household state their
satisfaction as for the location of watering points within the district.
However, such average hides some disparities for in some localities of the District, people
have to cover 500 m and even more than one kilometre to reach drinking water supply
sources. That is why, 23.7% of surveyed heads of household state their dissatisfaction as
for the location of watering points, mainly during the dry season.
 Collection time: water collection time highly varies from one locality to another;
for depending on several factors such as distance to the water source, crowd in
the watering points and watering conditions.
30
According to the results of the diagnosis, 49.7% of households need less than 15 minutes
for water collection. However, for the great majority of households, collection time
exceeds 15mn. In some communities the populations spend more than 30, minutes namely
in dry season. Such situation demonstrates how relevant it is to construct water supply
facilities, mainly in rural Areas.
 Access in terms of quantity: according to the diagnosis on District water supply
sources drinking watering points are not enough. Together with its distant
geographic location in many communities such shortage in the number of supply
sources enhances the constraints to populations’ access to drinking water. Thus,
for many households in the District, daily per capita water consumption is
broadly inferior to WHO recommended standards (35l/person/day). In addition,
in some communities, daily domestic consumption is less than 20 litres. That is
why, it is necessary to increase the number of drinking watering points within the
various District communities; for many households resort to water of
questionable quality to meet some of their daily needs; this favours the
proliferation of water-borne diseases.
Table 8 : Access terms to drinking water
Access requirements
No response
Monthly lump sum contribution
Dry season
Number
%
6
4.3%
Rainy season
Number
%
9
6.4%
35
25.0%
37
26.4%
Payment by type of containers
94
67.1%
90
64.3%
Monthly billing (private service pipe)
5
3.6%
5
3.6%
141
100
TOTAL
140
100
Source: Field surveys, WAG 2008
Generally, the most common term of access to drinking water is payment proportionally to
the consumed volume of water, which, even is the most democratic and transparent way,
as far as management of modern watering points is concerned. However, contribution on a
lump sum basis still prevails in some localities of the District.
A.5.1.2. Coverage of water demand
Water demand coverage ratio is a relevant indicator to assess the constraints to water
supply to the populations of a locality. It actually, enables assessing the amount of daily
water consumption against WHO standards. Similarly, the average density around a
watering point allows having an idea of the level of coverage of domestic demand.
Available data on this issue5 indicates an average density of 291 people per watering
5
. These data relate to Pankese, Afosu, Akoase and Praman Area councils.
31
point. However, such average hides high variations since the density varies from 42
people per watering point at Bramkrom to 1,765 at Hweakwae, in Praman Area Council.
The community-wise density analysis show that the situation is very alarming in the
localities of Hweakwae, Amenan, Amoa and Nkwarteng, where the density exceeds 700
and even reaches 1,000 people per watering point, in some places. In contrast, Bramkrom,
Odontuase and Kuntnase communities have appreciable densities.
Table 9 : Drinking water coverage rate
Number of
Water coverage surveyed
Number
Number
Number of
rate
households litres
litres/household litres/person
PRAMAN
44
1445
33
3.6
AFOSU
44
1500
34
3.8
AKOASI
38
1290
34
3.8
PANKESE
15
600
40
4.4
3.8
TOTAL
141
4835
34
Source:Field survey, WAG 2008
All in all, the coverage of potable water needs in Birim North District is not satisfactory at
all. High density around watering points in most communities as well as low flow rates in
many boreholes make it difficult to meet daily needs.
32
Map 5 : Drinking water coverage
33
A.5.2. Access to sanitation facilities
A.5.2.1. Identification and typology of sanitation facilities
There are two major types of latrines in Birim North District; namely private latrines and
public ones.
 The private sanitation facilities: These are family latrines, located inside the
compounds. These toilets are composed of WC, VIP, traditional pits that are even
the more numerous ones. According to the diagnosis results, traditional pits in fact
represent 41.6% of the total, and are highly present in rural areas. WCs and VIPs
that better meet hygiene requirements are poorly represented with 0.8% and 8.7%,
respectively.
All in all, latrine prevalence level is very low within the District; many households do not
have healthy family latrines. Owing to such situation, many people resort to toilets that do
not comply with hygiene standards. This is favourable to the proliferation of diseases such
as faecal peril or other diseases resulting from unhealthy environment.
Within the District, the inventoried private sanitation facilities were in most cases built by
the populations themselves. However, 25.9% of interviewed heads of household declare
having benefited from technical, material and financial support from some projects, when
they constructed their family latrines. So, 84.2% of the households took inspiration from
projects built latrines.
 Public sanitation facilities: these are school, markets and other public places
latrines within the District. Moreover, public latrines inventoried within the
District when the diagnosis was conducted represent 31.4% of the total number.
Those public latrines play an important role in the promotion of hygiene, in public places,
namely in school facilities and within the District, more generally. Actually, the results of
the field survey indicate that 58.2% of households without family latrines resort public
toilet facilities. That’s why, it is important to significantly increase it number, mainly in
schools and markets. For it was noted it high level of utilization, this does not guarantee
good salubriousness of such toilets that may be a source of disease.
Similarly, it is important to extend such public facilities to all school facilities within the
District so that to ensure for school population good hygiene condition and proper living
environment.
34
Map 6: Location of sanitation facilities
35
 Management of water and sanitation: At the community level, the management of
water and sanitation is undertaken by WATSANs (water and sanitation
committees). Those management committees exist in most communities but very
few of them are active, namely by lack of financial means. Actually, fund shortage
impedes the implementation of water and sanitation related action but also the
maintenance of the facilities. The role of the management committees is further
constrained by the shortage of spare parts in most communities; let us add on top
of that complete shortage of technicians to repair water supply facilities and
construct family and public latrines.
To cope with such situation, it thus matters to recruit artisans and provide them with
training on water supply construction and maintenance techniques, and on family toilet
facilities construction. Such training will be undertaken by CWSA partner organizations.
The District Assembly must also contribute by providing the DWST with the necessary
logistics to supervise the activities conducted by the WATSAN committees and other
players involved in the conduct of actions relating to water and sanitation.
All in all, within the scope of the set up of water supply and sanitation facilities it would
be important to pay a particular attention to management committees. These organizations
must be revitalized in order to ensure a profitable and sustainable management of the
facilities.
36
Map 7 : Sanitation coverage rate
37
A.5.2.2. Analysis of water/hygiene/health relations
 General hygiene conditions: hygiene conditions generally depend on quality of
water consumed within the households and its storage, and usage conditions, on the one
hand; on the other hand on the behaviour of the populations as far as hygiene is
concerned. Thus, the analysis of water quality, the study of the mode of storage of
drinking water and household hygiene and sanitation habits will enable us defining the
water, hygiene and health relation.
The diagnosis reveals several prevailing practices and behaviours propitious to peoples’
health degradation. As an illustration, containers used to carry drinking water are not
covered in 43.7% of sample households. This is propitious to pollution of water consumed
within households. In addition, insufficient or even lack of potable water sources compels
local populations to resort to water from rivers, streams to meet their daily needs. Such a
practice is favourable to the development of waterborne pathologies such as diarrhoea,
bilharziasis, typhoid fever, guinea worm, etc.
In addition, the low rate of coverage for sanitation facilities, the high number of traditional
pits and resort to toilets that do not comply with hygiene standards contributes to the
degradation of the living environment and consequently deterioration of local populations’
health conditions.
All in all, households in the District face several hygiene and sanitation problems. That is
why it is necessary to further enhance awareness raising campaigns on compliance with
hygiene principles, on the one hand, and construct water supply and sanitation facilities,
accessible to all, on the other hand.
 Waste management: The field survey results show that the most common liquid
waste discharge system is pouring-out in the streets or compound yards. It is the
same for solid wastes for most households have resort to the street or other piece of
waste land. These practises are favourable to the degradation of the living
framework and the proliferation of water-borne disease like diarrhoea and cholera.
The shortage or even lack of hygiene and sanitation facilities makes waste management at
the District level even more difficult. There almost are no temporary dumps in the District.
Thus, most households do not have garbage cans. Because of this, they are compelled to
resort to practices that do not comply with hygiene principles.
In addition, the absence of appropriate sewerage impedes proper waste water and rain
water drainage. This leads to water stagnation and sometimes flooding propitious to the
development of diseases such as malaria.
Considering these various sanitation problems it is necessary to establish within the
District an appropriate sanitation system and promote for the household better access to
hygiene facilities. In the same way, it is important to organize awareness raising sessions
on compliance with hygiene and sanitation principles in order to promote a sound
environment.
38
B- STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESS TO
WATER AND SANITATION
DWSP is and orientation document for the conduct of water and sanitation access
improvement related activities in Birim North District. It also is a reference frame for any
intervention in the District water and sanitation sectors. Taking into account, the
constraints identified by local populations, some formulations were made to make up the
deficits.
Those development actions as proposed by the populations in order to eliminate the
constraints and promote a sustainable access to water and sanitation are translated into
three major strategic orientations:
 Promotion of access to drinking water sources;
 Improvement of access to public and private sanitation facilities;
 Capacity building,
These various orientations are not at all independent one another. Its implementation will
enable achieving the objectives set by the District Assembly, as far as sustainable
development is concerned.
B-1 STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS
The diagnosis on the water, hygiene and sanitation sector revealed several constraints
impeding Birim North District development. Thus, to improve the situation, as far as
access to potable water and sanitation facilities are concerned, and promote a sustainable
development, local players identified the main actions to be implemented.
 Priorities for Birim North District development
The participative diagnosis enabled the populations of Birim North District bringing out
the most arduous constraints and prioritizing the actions to be conducted in order to
improve access to water and sanitation infrastructures and promote hygiene as well.
Regarding access to water and sanitation facilities, the formulation of the priorities defines
the following local development axis:
 Improvement of access to water,
 Improvement of access to sanitation facilities,
 Promotion of hygiene.
 Capacity building
The various action are not independent on one another but are in the contrary closely
linked, hence a necessity for it to be include in a global and integrated strategy.
39
 Constraints to pursuing development priorities
The Birim North District faces several constraints. Namely:
 WATER
 Shortage of modern watering points.
 Distant location of modern watering points.
 High rate of non operating existing water supply facilities
 SANITATION
 Low rate of latrine availability.
 Insufficient number of appropriate family latrines (high prevalence of traditional
pits)
 Insufficient number of institutional latrines (considering its high frequentation by
neighbouring households).
 HYGIENE
 Absence of appropriate solid and liquid waste discharge.
 Prevailing misbehaviours and malpractices as far as hygiene is concerned.
 absence of appropriate sanitation system
 CAPACITY BUILDING
 Lethargy of WATSANs.
 Shortage of local repair artisans.
B-2 IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIONS
B-2-1 Improved access to water
 Basis for action
Assessment carried out has highlighted that communities face huge constraints to access
to safe water. This situation which is principally due to the insufficient number of potable
water sources in the District affects the social and economic living conditions of people.
Indeed, in addition to this, the strong population of the District has impact on
communities’ health and makes their poverty level worse.
 Actions required
To improve this situation, communities have decided to undertake the following actions:
 Construction of boreholes in Amoa, Gambia, Asempaneye, Nyamebekyere,
Nkwateng, Akyekyesu, Addokrom and Akwetey.
 Extension of the stand pipes in Mamaso, New Abirem and Afosu.
 Mechanising 87 boreholes in Mamaso, New Abirem, Afosu and Pankese.
 Construction of two small town Water Systems in Nkwateng and Pankese.
40
B-2-2 Improved access to sanitation infrastructures
 Basis for action
Field research has revealed a very low latrine construction rate in almost all communities
of the district. In addition to this, there is a lack of liquid and solid waste disposal
facilities. It is therefore necessary to increase the sanitation infrastructures and promote
good hygiene practices at individual and collective level.
 Actions required
The main ones identified include:
 Construction of household latrines (VIP type)
 Construction of simple latrines in institutions (VIP type)
 Implementation of CLTS in Abohema Adadekrom and Abobetwaw communities
Table 10: Summary of issues and solutions
Areas
Issues
Solutions
Water
Insufficient modern water
points
Remoteness of the modern
water points
High breakdown rates
Construction of boreholes and
STWS
Extension of stand pipes
Low level of latrinisation
Provision of adequate sanitation
facilities
Hygiene/
sanitation Poor hygiene behaviours
Objective
To improve community
access to quality and
quantity water
Mechanised boreholes
CLTS
To improve access to
sanitation infrastructures
and promote individual &
collective hygiene
Source : Planning workshop, July 2008
41
CONCLUSION
Birim North owns its DWSP with an implementation Plan which includes all actions
required and assesses the local finances to be invested for the local development with the
involvement of all stakeholders.
The methodology used in developing the SDP was a comprehensive institutional diagnosis
of all stakeholders with a focus on their roles, responsibilities, interests, etc in each
programme.
Finally, a practical approach has been immediately used to market the plan; this approach
has based on the local communities’ needs as well as the capacities of the strategic
partners in the District.
Each strategic partner will work in line with its role in the project and following an
implementation plan. To this effect, the District needs to own a monitoring and evaluation
system to be used as both a guide and management tool for the following purposes:
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Ensure community participation in all stages of the implementation;
Jointly identify strengths and weaknesses of actions;
Keep the relevant stakeholders (supported people, technicians, project/programme
staff, donors) updated on the implementation level;
Follow the progress of the project implementation using criteria and data base
initially agreed upon by stakeholders (project owners, contractors, monitoring
officer, etc)
If necessary, make adjustments using the lessons learnt.
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