Local government commits to water and sanitation

WaterAid Ghana Senior Management Team with Chief Executives of Local Government Authorities

Credit: WaterAid

22 September 2008

WaterAid and its partners have signed a formal agreement to forge a closer working relationship with local government.

The agreement, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), involves eleven district assemblies in Ghana and spells out responsibilities when planning and implementing District Water and Sanitation Plans and rooted advocacy.

Under the agreement, WaterAid Ghana will provide technical and financial assistance to local government; a local NGO partner will provide technical support for the preparation and implementation of water and sanitation plans; and local government will provide oversight and leadership in the planning and delivery of water and sanitation services.

The agreement has set the stage for the Local Millennium Goals Initiative to move into its next phase and start marketing local government development plans. The assemblies are particularly excited about the agreement as they believe it will enable them to carry out their legal responsibility of developing water and sanitation services for their communities.

Sampled views from local government

Honourable District Chief Executive for Wa East, Isaac Alitu.

Credit: WaterAid

The Honourable Isaac Alitu acknowledges that his district, Wa East, has benefited from WaterAid's support on water and sanitation projects even without a formal understanding.

Mr Alitu said: "I am particularly happy for the move. WaterAid’s partners in the district have helped us a lot. WaterAid has already been helping to support household latrines without the agreement. Now that we have an understanding, the relationship will move a step further."

Honourable District Chief Executive for Akuapim North Edward Adu Aboagye.

Credit: WaterAid

"The signing of the memorandum introduces a new chapter in terms of collaboration between partners who have a common interest in water and sanitation. WaterAid Ghana, Akuapim Community Development Programme (an implementing partner of WaterAid Ghana) and the district will be required to fulfill its obligations. I am optimistic that the interventions we are going to have will benefit and impact on the very poor and marginalised in our society."

Honourable District Chief Executive for Bongo, says even though they are mandated under Act 462 to deliver development in our districts, in the past they were not involved.

He said: "This time around we are part and parcel of the decision making process. We determine what we want, how we want it and when we want it."

District assemblies are now better placed at the forefront in terms of sanitation and delivering of quality safe drinking water for the people.

The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly Chief Executive Honourable Isaac Nsoh Amoah is elated about the new relationship.

Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly Chief Executive Honourable Isaac Nsoh Amoah.

Credit: WaterAid

He said: "The agreement is essential, it brings about understanding. We are therefore more eager to start working with WaterAid and its partners. Provision of water and sanitation are a basic responsibility of the Assembly but due to lack of funds we have been unable to deliver adequately on that.

"This new relationship will help seek funding elsewhere. This is commitment we will like to honour. We shall implement more plans in water and sanitation."

WaterAid has so far signed memorandums with Wa East, Bongo, Akuapim North, Bawku West, Kwahu North, Gushiegu, Birim North, Krachi East and Krachi East District, Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly and Tamale Metropolitan Assembly.