PUMP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE UPPER WEST AND EAST REGIONS OF GHANA

Abstract

In the Upper West and East regions of Ghana, Pump Management Committees (PMCs), technically known as Water and Sanitation Committees (WATSAN) in the water sector, are institutionalised organs for community water management. A survey of twenty-seven (27) of these institutions in six districts across the Upper West and East regions shows that they have evolved fair and elaborate mechanisms for Operation and Maintenance of water points at the community level. The mechanisms instituted have ensured successful management of pumps - pump sites, routine management and pump site cleanliness - resulting in overall improvement in water supply and general community development in pump communities the two regions. Despite these achievements, the majority of PMCs keep no adequate records on their operations. They also operate no bank accounts. It is also worth noting that although elaborate levy systems have been instituted by PMCs, levies are generally low resulting in low savings by many PMCs and this may explain why many pump sites are in disrepair in the two regions. To sustain the achievements made so far by PMCs, it is recommended that the District Assemblies inculcate the culture of participatory decision-making, revenue mobilisation and saving as well as records keeping in PMCs in the Upper West and East Regions.