Birim north: Stakeholders in community water management across the Birim North District have been urged to strengthen their operational structures and improve revenue collection systems to ensure sustainable water service delivery. The call was made during a Community Water Management and Leadership Capacity Building and Learning Forum organized by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) at the Birim North District Assembly recently.
According to Ghana Web, as part of the Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development II (AVID II) project supported by STAR Ghana Foundation, ISODEC in partnership with the Ghana Water Justice Network organized the forum to bring together leaders, practitioners, and community stakeholders in the community water management system for learning and dialogue about best practices, challenges, and learnings from water service delivery.
The forum enabled community water management teams from across the district to learn from the Abirem-Afoso-Mamaso Community Water Management Team (CWMT), praised for its outstanding performance in managing community water systems. The success of the Abirem-Afosu-Mamaso CWMT has earned commendations from the Birim North District Assembly, civil society organizations, and the Community Water and Sanitation Board. This prompted ISODEC to facilitate experience sharing among water management teams within the district.
Head of Policy and Programmes at ISODEC, Bernard Anaba, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of learning from the Abirem-Afosu-Mamaso team, which has adopted innovative management practices significantly improving water service delivery.
During the forum, representatives from various water boards highlighted challenges affecting the effective management of community water systems. The Old Abirem Water Board reported structural difficulties despite a newly established management structure. The board also faces challenges with bill generation, distribution, and revenue collection due to consumer non-payment.
The Hweakwae waterboard struggles with dependency on a single pump station, affecting water distribution. The Amuana Praso Water Board noted that an indisposed secretary affects operations and struggles with bill generation and consumer payments.
Ntronang officials highlighted billing software difficulties, non-payment of bills, and high electricity costs, with a significant portion of revenue spent on electricity charges imposed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), even when water is not pumped. The Akoase Water Board reported weak management structures and high electricity costs affecting operational efficiency, with some board members unaware of water-related challenges due to residing outside the community.
Forum participants observed that while community water is generally more affordable than private alternatives, residents in Akoase pay higher rates for community water. Concerns were also raised about expensive electricity bills despite irregular water supply. Most water boards have limited capacity in technical operations, billing, revenue generation, and staff recruitment.
The Abirem-Afosu-Maamaso CWMT shared strategies that contributed to its success, including establishing effective management structures, maintaining accurate customer databases, improving bill distribution, and developing digital payment systems. Community sensitization was emphasized to encourage bill payments and support infrastructure maintenance.
Participants discussed the need for sanctions against defaulters, suggesting water disconnection, legal action, and exposing individuals involved in illegal connections. Effective monitoring and quality equipment procurement were highlighted as essential for sustainable water management.
Closing the forum, Alfred Gyadu, Head of Operations of the Abirem-Afosu-Maamaso CWMT, urged participants to adopt a business-minded approach to water management, emphasizing sound management practices, financial discipline, and accountability.