Community ownership and management of rural drinking water facilities in the Builsa district

Abstract

This study assessed the management arrangements and capacity at the community and District Assembly level for the ownership and management of boreholes fitted with hand pumps under the Community Water Project (COW AP) in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data was collected from households, community management groups of the facilities, the District Water and Sanitation Team (DWST) and the Desk Officer for water and sanitation at the District Assembly. Visits were made to hand pump sites to assess their condition. Different sampling methods and tools were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. The study revealed that majority of community members understand the concept of community ownership and management (COM) of their water point sources and had formed management groups. However, the infinite tenure of office coupled with lack of motivation and the uncooperative nature of some community members led to high drop out rates and the collapse of some committees. It is recommended that there should be a specified tenure of office for Pump Management Committee (PMC) members subject to renewal based on satisfactory work. Training and refresher courses should be organized for members.