Framework for WASH sector data improvements in data-poor environments, applied to Accra, Ghana
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
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.
Date Issued
2018-09-18
Date Acceptance
2018-09-08
Citation
Water, 2018, 10 (9)
ISSN
2073-4441
Publisher
MDPI
Journal / Book Title
Water
Volume
10
Issue
9
Copyright Statement
© 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Sponsor
United Nations Office for Project Services
Grant Number
CA/FCA/TEST/2014
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Water Resources
anthropogenic WASH mapping
WASH planning tool
Accra WASH sector characterization
open data
MD Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 1278