The Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Ing. Dr. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, at a press engagement at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday, November 8, shed light on the agency’s commitment to sustaining rural and small towns water services through its policy reforms.
The CEO outlined the challenges faced and notable progress achieved by the agency.
He indicated that frequent breakdowns and extended downtime is one of the major challenges facing the CWSA is the frequent breakdowns and extended downtime of water systems, often lasting more than a month. This disrupts the water supply to rural and small towns.
Significantly, high non-revenue and unaccounted for Water poses a menace to the agency. “In 2017, the CWSA reported a significant issue of high non-revenue or unaccounted-for water, accounting for approximately 50% of the water supply, which poses financial and operational difficulties,” he said.
He also stressed that community-managed water systems have accumulated substantial electricity bills, exceeding GHS 40 million. This financial burden affects the sustainability of water services in these areas among other challenges facing the agency.
However amidst these challenges, the CWSA has made significant progress including the management of 189 Pipe Water Systems.
“CWSA currently manages 189 pipe water systems across 169 districts in 16 regions, ensuring a wider reach of water services to rural and small towns,” he added.
The agency has also seen to the rehabilitation of 170 Water Systems. “Before deploying technical staff to manage them, the CWSA successfully rehabilitated 170 water systems, improving their efficiency and reliability.”
The CEO, Ing. Dr. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges and ensuring the sustainability of rural and small town water services.
He urged stakeholders and partners to collaborate in overcoming these hurdles, emphasizing that water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of community development.
