Addressing Open Defecation Sanitation Problem: The case of Dry Toilet Implementation in the WA Municipality, Ghana

Type Thesis or Dissertation - Bachelor of Natural Resources and the Environmen
Title Addressing Open Defecation Sanitation Problem: The case of Dry Toilet Implementation in the WA Municipality, Ghana
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
URL https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/88996/Musa_Essuman.pdf?sequence=1
Abstract
Although Ghana ranks 152 out of 182 on the Human Development Index, it has the 4th lowest
rate of sanitation coverage worldwide (UNICEF/WHO 2010). The Wa municipality is no
exception. Lack of toilet facilities in many homes in the municipality is something that cannot be
ignored, and as a result, people form long queues early in the morning to have access to the few
existing public toilets, whereby putting extreme pressure on these facilities. The worst part of the
sanitation problem is that some people also prefer the water bodies, bushes, and uncompleted
buildings as places of convenience.
Specifically, investigations on whether there are existing dry toilet facilities within the
municipality, how beneficiaries are going to cope with and adapt to a new dry toilet facility, and
the socio-cultural issues that can affect the sustainability of dry toilet facility were examined.
Non Probability-accidental sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study.
Simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were employed in the data
analysis. The study revealed that the main cause of sanitation problem is the open defecation
practices. Poverty, illiteracy and lack of public education are all factors leading to poor
sanitation. It was recommended that Government through the municipal authority should
construct more decent public toilet facilities in the municipality. The facility cost of usage should
be subsidized and be made free for children and the aged.

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