On 30th April 2024, WaterAid, in collaboration with the Asutifi North District Assembly, organized an advocacy program to promote sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices within the district. The program aimed to address the pressing challenges related to clean water and sanitation access, enhance public awareness, and advocate for stronger policy actions and community involvement.
The event brought together representatives from WaterAid, the District Assembly, local government officials, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, community members, and other key stakeholders.
To advocate for increased access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in the Asutifi North District, especially in underserved communities. To educate the public on the importance of good hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap, to prevent waterborne diseases. To engage stakeholders, including policymakers, in discussions on the need for sustainable WASH interventions and integrating WASH considerations into local development plans. To encourage community participation in WASH initiatives and empower residents to take an active role in maintaining water and sanitation facilities.
The event commenced with a welcome address by the District Chief Executive, who emphasized the importance of addressing water and sanitation issues in the district. He acknowledged the critical role of WaterAid in supporting the district’s WASH agenda and reiterated the assembly’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes.
WaterAid representatives provided an overview of their work in the district, highlighting ongoing projects, successes, and challenges. They presented data on the current state of water and sanitation access in the Asutifi North District, pointing out areas with significant gaps and the health implications of inadequate WASH services. A panel discussion featuring local government officials, health experts, and community leaders explored the key challenges in achieving universal access to water and sanitation. Topics included: Inadequate water supply systems and poor maintenance of existing facilities, The need for sustained efforts to change hygiene behaviors at the community level, and Addressing the financial constraints that hinder the expansion and maintenance of WASH infrastructure.
Community members shared their experiences and the impact of inadequate water and sanitation on their daily lives. These testimonials highlighted the urgent need for reliable WASH services, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.As part of the advocacy efforts, WaterAid launched the “Clean Water for All” campaign, aimed at mobilizing support from both the public and private sectors to invest in WASH projects. The campaign will focus on fundraising, public education, and policy advocacy to ensure that every household in the district has access to clean water and sanitation. The District Assembly pledged to integrate WASH priorities into its development plans and allocate resources to improve water and sanitation infrastructure. The assembly also committed to working closely with WaterAid and other partners to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of WASH interventions. The assembly and WaterAid jointly developed a WASH action plan that outlines key interventions, timelines, and responsibilities. The plan focuses on expanding water supply networks, constructing sanitation facilities, and conducting hygiene education campaigns. To ensure local ownership and sustainability, the program facilitated the formation of Community WASH Committees. These committees will be responsible for managing water and sanitation facilities, monitoring their condition, and leading hygiene promotion activities within their communities. The program resolved to advocate for increased funding from the central government, donors, and the private sector to support WASH projects in the district. This includes exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure development.A commitment was made to enhance the monitoring and evaluation of WASH projects to ensure that they are effectively implemented and deliver the intended benefits. Regular assessments and community feedback mechanisms will be used to track progress and address challenges.
A major challenge highlighted was the limited financial and technical resources available to expand and maintain WASH infrastructure. The assembly and WaterAid stressed the need for diversified funding sources to sustain WASH interventions.Despite ongoing hygiene education efforts, there remain significant behavioral barriers to adopting improved hygiene practices, such as reluctance to use toilets and inconsistent handwashing with soap.The impact of climate change on water resources, including reduced water availability and quality, was noted as a critical challenge that requires adaptive strategies and resilient infrastructure.
It was recommended that the District Assembly, WaterAid, and other stakeholders strengthen collaboration to maximize resources and expertise. This includes leveraging the roles of traditional leaders and community groups in promoting WASH initiatives. To address behavioral barriers, there is a need to scale up WASH education programs, particularly in schools and community centers, using culturally appropriate and engaging methods.Ensuring the sustainability of WASH facilities was emphasized, with a call for regular maintenance, capacity building of local technicians, and the use of durable materials.The assembly was encouraged to consider climate-resilient approaches, such as rainwater harvesting and the protection of water sources, to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water availability.
The WaterAid advocacy program on 30th April 2024 was a pivotal event in the Asutifi North District Assembly’s efforts to address water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges. By fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and advocating for policy action, the program has set the stage for meaningful progress towards achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation in the district.
Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration, effective community engagement, and the mobilization of resources to implement the WASH action plan. The District Assembly and WaterAid remain committed to working together to ensure that all residents of Asutifi North have access to safe water and improved sanitation, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.