COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF SAFE WATER IN THE EJISUJUABEN MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

For the past two decades, Community Ownership and Management (COM) has become a leading concept in potable water management. The concept has gained popularity owing to its perceived efficiency in management, This study investigated the contribution of COM in enhancing management and access to safe water in Ejisu- Juaben Municipality. A mixed methodology, which combined both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, was employed, To gain a more rounded perspective on issues surrounding COM, respondents were purposively sampled from households, Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Municipal Water and sanitation Team (MWST), Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees and Water and Sanitation Development Boards (WSDBs). The results revealed that COM has improved efficiency of potable water management and increased access to potable water in the Municipality. These improvements arise from the establishment of a decentralised and collaborative institutional framework for the management of water and enhanced community participation in the installation, management and operations of water systems. The results also revealed that limited representation of women in positions, and a weak accountability relationship between Water Committees and the Municipal Assembly are major challenges confronting COM in the Municipality. Thus, to ensure sustained potable water management. the study recommends that communities should continue to own water systems, select sites for their water systems, elect water committee members, set water charges and determine hours of operations for their systems. The study recommends increased participation in managing water committees and in making key decisions regarding the management of water systems. The study further recommends strengthening accountability relationships between Water Committees and the Municipal Assembly.