The Complexities of Small Towns’ Water Systems: Evidence from Two Selected Small Towns in the Middle Belt of Ghana

Abstract

Most small towns in Ghana have been experiencing unsustainable water supply systems due myriad challenges. This paper focuses on the exploring the nature and extent of these complex challenges. The study was conducted in Kokofu and Parambo-Sawaba Water Supply Systems in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana respectively. Focus group discussions and key informants’ interviews were the techniques espoused for this study. In all, ninety-six participants, comprising of eighty community members and sixteen key informants were purposively selected for the study. Data was analysed by identifying gaps between theory and practice, taking into consideration the Guidelines of Small Town Water Sector of Ghana. The study identified the major challenges facing the water systems as: infrastructure inadequacies; the lack of preventive maintenance systems; weak institutional collaboration inter alia. The study concludes that although small town water systems provides an avenue for supplying safe and potable water to small towns in Ghana, the above-mentioned challenges pose a great threat to sustainable water services delivery.