Evaluating Access to Potable Water and Basic Sanitation in Ghana's Largest Urban Slum Community: Old Fadama, Accra
Evaluating Access to Potable Water and Basic Sanitation in Ghana's Largest Urban Slum Community: Old Fadama, Accra
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Date
2013
Authors
Monney, I
Buamah, R
Odai, S.N
Awuah, E
Nyenje, P. M
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Journal of Environment and Earth Science
Abstract
Access to potable water and basic sanitation in urban poor communities remains a critical issue in the developing
world. This paper examines access to potable water and basic sanitation in Ghana's largest urban slum and the
level of commitment by stakeholders to improve the current conditions. It drew on an extensive field survey,
interviews, focus group discussions and drinking water quality analyses. The study revealed that the community
depend entirely on vended water for their daily water supply needs. Apart from being sold at exorbitant prices,
the sources of drinking water is also contaminated with attendant health risks. Household toilets are non-existent
in the community and thus residents rely exclusively on public latrines; KVIP and pan latrines which are also
inadequate. This partly accounts for the practice of open defecation in the community with possible health
effects such as diarrhea and cholera. Indiscriminate dumping of refuse, choked drains and pools of stagnant
water are ubiquitous thereby posing health threats. There is a low level of commitment to improving access to
water and sanitation in the community by major stakeholders in spite of the glaring health effects. The outcomes
of this study will be useful to relevant stakeholders and authorities in developing suitable strategies for
improving access to water and sanitation for urban poor communities.
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Monney, I., Buamah, R., Odai, S. N., Awuah, E., & Nyenje, P. M. (2013). Evaluating access to potable water and basic sanitation in Ghana’s largest urban slum community: Old Fadama, Accra. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 3(11), 72-79.