Framework for WASH Sector Data Improvements in Data-Poor Environments, Applied to Accra, Ghana
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Water
Abstract
Improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service provision are hampered by
limited open data availability. This paper presents a data integration framework, collects the data and
develops a material flow model, which aids data-based policy and infrastructure development for
the WASH sector. This model provides a robust quantitative mapping of the complete anthropogenic
WASH flow-cycle: from raw water intake to water use, wastewater and excreta generation, discharge
and treatment. This approach integrates various available sources using a process-chain bottom-up
engineering approach to improve the quality of WASH planning. The data integration framework
and the modelling methodology are applied to the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Ghana.
The highest level of understanding of the GAMA WASH sector is achieved, promoting scenario testing
for future WASH developments. The results show 96% of the population had access to improved safe
water in 2010 if sachet and bottled water was included, but only 67% if excluded. Additionally, 66%
of 338,000 m3 per day of generated wastewater is unsafely disposed locally, with 23% entering open
drains, and 11% sewage pipes, indicating poor sanitation coverage. Total treated wastewater is <0.5%
in 2014, with only 18% of 43,000 m3 per day treatment capacity operational. The combined data sets
are made available to support research and sustainable development activities.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
anthropogenic WASH mapping, WASH planning tool, Accra WASH sector