Rural water coverage has been increasing steadily but there are concerns with high levels of non-functional water point systems fitted with handpumps.
Published on: 28/08/2012
The definition of coverage does not give any indication as to whether the system is functioning or not. Thus, even though increased coverage means that a lot of rural dwellers have been provided with water facilities, the reality of high levels of sub-standard functionality, including high frequency and long duration of breakdowns, means that water users experience poor and unreliable services. This is a clear indicator that increased rural water coverage does not necessarily result in an increased proportion of the rural residents enjoying sustainable water services.
Briefing Note 6 focuses on the findings from WASHCost research relating to the functionality of boreholes fitted with handpumps, which is the most common technology for providing rural water services in Ghana, the Briefing Note also examines how payment for water services affects the functionality of the water system and resultant effects on water service levels.
Briefing Note 6 Functionality of rural water systems in Ghana
