dws-witteveenbos-ghana-gonja-water-supply-770px-1A consortium of three Dutch partners, engineering consultant Witteveen+Bos (lead), management consultant Berenschot and non-governmental health organization Simavi was awarded a contract for a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project in Ghana on 27 November.

The project is part of the Ghana Netherlands WASH programme aimed to improve the technical, institutional and financial water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Ghana. The programme is a joint initiative by the government of Ghana and the Dutch embassy in Ghana.

Limited water facilities
Many Ghanaians have virtually no access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. The supply of clean drinking water is limited and sanitary facilities are either completely absent or of poor quality. The same applies to drainage facilities and waste disposal services. This situation has an adverse impact on public health in Ghana, hinders economic development, and leads to unhealthy living conditions.

Long-term master plan
The Dutch consortium is to draw up a long-term master plan together with the five municipalities. In addition, designs will be produced and calls for tender issued in preparation for the investment phase. The project group will undertake these activities in collaboration with the municipalities and local stakeholders, as capacity building is a key aim of the programme.

dws-witteveenbos-ghana-gonja-water-boy-350pxAwareness of importance of clean water and proper hygiene
Behavioural changes will have to occur in the communities themselves. An important component of this first phase is the ‘WASH for Schools’ programme, which seeks to make young people aware of the importance of clean water, adequate sanitary facilities and proper hygiene. In addition, improved facilities will be installed in schools.

Combined experience in Africa
Over the past few years Witteveen+Bos has contributed to dozens of water projects in many African countries. The company’s extensive experience – ranging from designing water treatment plants to developing master plans for infrastructure improvements – will be put to good use in this new project in Ghana.

Dutch NGO Simavi is an expert in the implementation of sustainable WASH programmes. Its familiarity with the local context will ensure the involvement of local population, so that the various initiatives will meet the needs of local residents.

Management consulting firm Berenschot has experience in organising projects in  complex environments, including in Africa. In consultation with the municipalities, Berenschot will take the lead in reforming the institutional framework and the  financing models, including in the operational phase of the WASH programme.

This news item was originally published on the website of Witteveen+Bos.

More information
Witteveen+Bos
Deventer, the Netherlands
+31 570 69 79 11
www.witteveenbos.nl

Berenschot
Utrecht, the Netherlands  
+31 30 291 69 16
www.berenschot.nl

Simavi
Haarlem, the Netherlands
+31 23 531 80 55
www.simavi.nl