Seth Damasah presented on the Akatsi District's water and sanitation service monitoring process. A team collected data on water points and systems which was analyzed by district staff. This identified issues like broken boreholes. The data was used to develop action plans and budgets to address problems. It has led to repairs, improved financial management by water committees, and informed district planning and budgeting. Challenges include delays in fund releases and a need for better asset management.

1. PRESENTED BY : SETH DAMASAH
AKATSI DISTRICT WASH ENGINEER
17TH APRIL 2013
AKATSI DISTRICT PRESENTATION AT THE
CWSA/TRIPLE- S REFLECTION MEETING WITH
SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS

2.  Service monitoring process
 Use of service monitoring data at the district
level
 Immediate benefits of service monitoring to
the DA
 Challenges
 Way forward

3.  Constitution of data collection team: Six member team of
DWST and EHAs were constituted for data collection
 The team was trained on the use of survey instruments
(survey questionnaires and scoring tables) and the FLOW
technology for data collection
 It took the six enumerators about six weeks to collect data
on 249 HPs, 6 mechanized systems, 87 stand pipes, 111
WATSANs and 6 WSDBs
 Staff of the Akatsi District Assembly (DPCU and DWD) and
VRCWSA were trained on data cleaning and analysis using
pivot table and charts
 A combined team of CWSA staff and members of DPCU
and WDW analyzed the raw data and shared with DA staff,
Executive committee and General assembly, which resulted
in discourse around emerging issues and remedial actions

5.  The DPCU and DWD used the service monitoring
data to develop action plan and budget to
address the emerging issues
 The data was used to engage technical staff of
the assembly, the general assembly and
executive committee to highlight WASH situation
in the district, gain buy-in and secure approval
for action plan and budget for remedial actions
 The service monitoring data led the District
assembly to conduct technical assessment and
cost implications on all the 66 broken boreholes
in the District
 Portions of the data was used to update Dimes

7.  Elements of the action plan and budget have been
incorporated into the 2013 composite budget for the
District (60,000.00 for service monitoring, training of
WATSANs, Water quality test and other water related
activities). No releases have been made yet.
 12 of the broken down hand pumps have been repaired
already through combined efforts of the beneficiary
communities and District assembly
 The Akatsi WSMT which used to operate only
operational account, has activated their capital account
 Dagbamate WSMT that used to keep all proceeds from
sale of water at home, now bank funds on daily basis
 The DWD and EHAs have formed 34 WATSANs for the
orphan hand pumps awaiting funds for training

8.  The Wlitey/Alagbokope WSMT is in the process of
procuring bulk and stand pipe meters for their
pipe system. Since construction, the pipe system
has been operating without meters, making it
impossible for determination of quantities of
water produced and sold.
 The WATSAN in Agbedrafor has developed
innovative mechanism for ensuring transparency
, proper accountability and prudent financial
management (numbered chit system for sale of
water from hand pumps). Vendors now render
accounts of up to GHC15.00 per day per hand
pump.
 Akatsi South District Assembly co-funded second
round of service monitoring by way of providing
fuel to the EHAs and DWD for data collection

10.  Improper alignment between DWSP, MTDP and
annual budgets, which leads to inadequate
budgeting and releases of funds for water and
sanitation service delivery
 Delays in release of funds to the District
Assemblies from the secretariat of DACF and
DDF.
 Ad hoc approach to maintenance and
replacement of WASH assets. Most of WSMTs lack
asset maintenance schedules and hence have
adopted fire fighting approach. The DA does not
have WASH asset register and replacement plan.
 Inadequate records keeping, fund mobilization
and accountability by WSMTs
 Inability of current Dimes to accommodate all
service monitoring data

11.  Use the existing service monitoring data and
LCCA to revise the current DWSP. Ensure
adequate incorporation of relevant elements of
the DWSP into the new MTDP yet to be developed
by 3rd quarter of 2013.
 Work together with the Triple-S project to
develop and use WASH asset management
framework for planning asset replacement
 Support WSMTs to revise water tariffs based on
annual projected incomes and expenditure
 Improve financial monitoring and also institute
annual audits for all WSMTs