UNWILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR URBAN WATER DEVELOPMENT IN THE CAPE COAST MUNICIPALITY OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Unwillingness to pay (UNWTP) findings have been ignored in a number of willingness to pay studies. UNWTP explains the limited access to potable water by many households in the Cape Coast Municipality. Among the reasons given for. UNWTP, 70 % of the sampled households mentioned the high level of water price as the main reason for UNWTP. It also addresses gender implications on payment of utility services at the household level. Men rather than women are more unwilling to pay, giving support to the current debate on empowerment of women to give financial support at the household level. UNWTP was finally identified as a strong indicator of consumers' dissatisfaction with the services of the water company. Improvements in the quality of services by the water company to customers and the government support for the poor by way of subsidies are likely to increase access to potable water by the people, especially the poor.