Establish synergy with the public and private sector (GHTNS0002)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ghana, 2022 – 2027
Inception Report Summary: Inception Report – Action plan – Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ghana, 2022 – 2024
Commitment Start: Jan 2023
Commitment End: Dec 2027
Institutions involved:
- Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly
- Friends of the Nation (FON)
- Municipal Water and Sanitation Office
- University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Civic Participation
Inception Report Summary
Verifiable: Yes
Relevance to OGP Values: Yes
The commitment is a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
The commitment activities will result in a change of the rules, practices or policies that govern a policy area, public sector and/or relationship between citizens and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Description
Commitment ID
GHTNS0002
Commitment Title
Establish synergy with the public and private sector to improve transparency and accountability in water services delivery.
Problem
With an ever-growing population which currently stands at 218,664 (PHC 2021), the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality plays host to persons with diverse backgrounds, mostly from neighboring districts and outside Ghana due to the municipality’s endowment in mineral resources such as gold and manganese. The situation puts a strain on the available water resources. Considering the total number of facilities provided, about 85% of the population should have access to potable water supply, unfortunately, only about 45% can boast of consistent water supply. Again, private sector interest in the provision of water is minimal. This stems from the fact that the facilities do not have effective management systems to ensure sustainability. According to the 2021 PHC, about 16% still depend on rains, streams, springs and rivers as their source of drinking water which is perceived to be unwholesome due to inadequate information and access to education. However, considering the large demand and its resultant frequent breakdown of water systems, the rate of response to maintenance have become a major setback for the Municipality. Consultations with communities revealed that there is not enough information on the water systems and management, there is poor communication and accountability among service providers, local managers and citizens as well as low understanding of the functions of local authorities and community-level stakeholder, among others
Status quo
The Local Governance Act, 2016, (Act 936) permits MMDAs to collaborate with private and state-owned enterprises operating in the district to carry out any commercial activity that falls within the scope of their respective functions and as well determine the allocation of the cost and benefits in respect of that activity. As a result of logistical constraints, weak enforcement of policies/laws, lack of technical support and the ineffectiveness of leadership to ensure transparency and accountability in the provision of water services to meet the demand of citizens, the collaboration has less been adhered to. The Tarkwa - Nsuaem Municipality has a total of 197 water facilities comprising 5 Small town Water systems and 192 Boreholes. About 45% of these facilities are rehabilitated annually by the Assembly and other few benevolent stakeholders due to poor management. Communities however demand from service providers quality and reliable water supply services as well as transparency and accountability in water services delivery as information about the operations of government officials, service providers and community management teams are kept in the dark.
Action
Reinforce a collaboration with private sector to strengthen local management of water systems in the municipality for citizens to have access to quality service delivery.
Ensure consistency in the flow of information using appropriate technology e.g. media and other platforms to improve sanitation, discourage pollution of water sources through sensitization and enforcement of local laws.
Strengthen the Water and Sanitation Management Teams in the communities to mobilize resources for maintenance of water systems, ensure participation leading to community ownership, transparency and accountability of operations and increase coverage of citizens to safe drinking water sources.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
Expected Outcomes
- Increased access to safe and hygienic drinking water sources.
- Improved quality delivery of services and enhanced information management technology.
- Strengthened synergy of water resource management institutions and local law enforcement.
- Expanded citizens participation and improved feedback mechanisms.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
This commitment relates to the Municipal Assembly’s long-term goal of establishing a robust system to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and participation of stakeholders and citizens towards project sustainability.
It is to ensure that the Municipality will have clean, hygienic and safe water sources and facilitate equitable access to quality water and service delivery.
Primary Policy Area
Civic Space, Social Accountability
Primary Sector
Public Services (general), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Civic Participation | The commitment is relevant to Civic Participation because it will create a platform for communities to meaningfully participate in the water services delivery and organize sensitization programmes to ensure marginalized groups are represented and have access to information regarding water services delivery. |