Household Access to Safe and Improved Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation in Wa Municipality

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to ascertain household access to safe and improved water and sanitation coverage in the Wa Municipality. A Sample of 230 households were randomly selected for household interviews, key informant interviews and participant observation. The study revealed that, there were adequate levels of improved water coverage (86%) were recorded to have access to improved water in the research community. However, the community was beset with extremely poor waste management practices. Some solid wastes were observed in some open spaces with poorly maintained gutters clogged with solid waste. Improved toilet facilities coverage were very low (6.9%) leading to an average number (58.3%) of households patronizing the few public toilet facilities in the community. Majority of the private toilets were also shared by more than three households (83.3%). The study recorded High levels of indiscriminate disposal of human excreta on open dump sites and bushes as well as the practice of open defecation. Due to this, high levels of water related diseases; particularly diarrhea (34.7%) was common among children under five years. The study revealed various unsatisfactory personal, domestic and environmental hygiene practices as the major cause of diseases in the community. These findings could serve as a baseline data for the community and city authorities for planning and effective management of the water and sanitation sector in order to protect public health and good environment quality.

Keywords: Access to improved water, Basic Sanitation, safety, water related diseases