URBAN LAND USE PLANNING AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC SANITATION FACILITIES IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

There is a connection between urban land use planning and urban sanitation management. The rationale of land use planning is to protect and create attractive urban environments. However, despite the land use planning rationale, there is a sanitation mess in the built environment of the Wa Municipality. This study investigates the implications of land use planning on the provision and management of public sanitation facilities in the Wa Municipality. The study adopted the mixed method of research design which used both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Field survey, key informant interviews and spatial planning methods were employed to gather primary data. A total of three hundred and seventy four household heads and three heads of institutions were interviewed. The study found that local plans were not available at the time Zone 1 was developed, hence the cause of haphazard development. Some areas with sanitary spaces had sanitary facilities provided by the Wa Municipal Assembly and Zoom lion Ghana Ltd. The study further noted that the sanitary facilities in some neighborhoods are not adequate and also not well spaced. Access to public sanitation facilities is also very difficult for service providers as well as the beneficiaries of the services. It is recommended that the Municipal Assembly would collaborate with the Town and Country Planning Department to educate people on the need and procedures of obtaining building permit before developing their lands through radio programs, and community fora. The Wa Municipal Assembly should acquire lands within the neighborhoods for sanitation purposes. Urban development specialist should also adopt urban renewal strategies to provide sanitary services for unplanned areas.