Managing the maintenance of rural water supply facilities in the Builsa district

Abstract

In Ghana, the issue of managing the maintenance of water supply facilities still remains a big problem in rural water provision. One of the recurring issues in rural water supply is how to ensure sustainability of water supply facilities. The main objective of this study therefore, was to examine the maintenance structures as they exist for the effective management of water supply facilities in the Builsa District. The research was a non-interventional study, and using simple random sampling, five percent (5%) of the total number of hand-pump communities in the District were selected. The administration of questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to solicit data from the field. It was found that lack of cooperation or collaboration among stakeholders, inadequate logistic support, bureaucratic processes at the District Assemblies, lack of commitment and embezzlement of funds on the part of committee members, inadequate means of transport and lack or bad access routes to some of the communities, and high attrition rates were some of the major constraints. Additionally, poor financial mobilization and management did not guarantee readily available funds for pump maintenance and repairs. The study therefore recommends the provision the requisite financial and logistical support for the DWST. Women, who are mostly the water users, should be empowered to play active role in the maintenance system.