Find below the keynote speech delivered by the Country Representative of CRS, Daniel Mumuni at the event:
“On behalf of the Catholic Relief Services, I welcome you all to today’s NLLAP session. Both past and present NLLAP sessions have always offered learning and sharing opportunities to the WASH sector which is very relevant in propelling a knowledge driven sector, that delivers quality and sustainable WASH services in Ghana.
Today’s session is no different. During the past one year, the Catholic Relief Services provided technical support to the Tamale Metropolitan and Sagnarigu Municipal Assemblies towards the development of citywide inclusive sanitation plans, for a more coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing the WASH needs in the two assemblies. We leveraged on each other’s resources and expertise to deliver a holistic plan and costed interventions for the benefit of all. This is in line with the Government of Ghana’s vision for the WASH sector “Water and Sanitation for all”. That is, all people in Ghana should have access to adequate, safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable water services, and practice safe sanitation and hygiene. It is now imperative that, to achieve the SDG 6, local government authorities must take leadership in coordinating efforts of key stakeholders to implement solutions from a city-wide point of view, through an extensive planning, costing and collective action. By their establishment, MMDAs are mandated to plan, budget and implement interventions to improve the lives of their people in accordance with local priorities and guidelines provided by the National Development Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance. As such, they are required to prepare Medium Term Development Plans, annual action plans and composite budgets, highlighting prioritized interventions and budgetary implications. These documents are usually prepared in a way that does not allow for adequate expression of WASH needs, deeper reflection of needed collaborations and interdependence, coordination and alignment of efforts and innovative funding mechanism for sanitation financing. This has largely resulted in low investments in sanitation financing and service delivery. Recognizing this gap, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and CRS took steps to develop a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Plan which identifies all the issues requiring attention and suggests strategic interventions to address them holistically and incrementally in the Metropolis.
As previously stated, CRS Ghana provided technical and financial support in the development of the plan as this aligns with our strategic goals, vision and mission, seeking to catalyze transformational change at scale, build a more just, equitable, and prosperous world for all where local leadership and local solutions are key.
In addition to providing technical and financial support for the development of the CWIS plan, CRS through the Urban WASH and Resilience Project, has also been working with relevant stakeholders to implement key water and sanitation interventions over the past 3 years. A total of $644,854.00 has been invested within this period. Some of the advancements made within the period include:
• Facilitated the construction of 685 flood resilient household toilets in the Greater Tamale Area through sanitation marketing activities. 12 sales agents and 8 sanitation entrepreneurs have been trained and equipped to create demand for household toilets and in the production of various toilet models to meet the demand created. Their combined activities have ensured that about 6,500 residents have access to improved and safely managed sanitation.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders (Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Water Resources Commission, Ghana Water Company Limited, Environmental Protection Agency, CONIWAS, and Northern Regional Coordinating Council), CRS has laid the foundation for the Tamale Water Fund which will accelerate fundraising and investment in nature-based solutions to address water security. Key steps undertaken so far include feasibility studies and development of a Business Case report. In addition, a multistakeholder steering committee has been established and 3 local water management committees inaugurated to lead community level integrated watershed management.
• CRS has also supported TaMA with resources to strengthen law enforcement within the Metropolis (e.g., provision of logistics and capacity building).
• Together with UNICEF and TaMA, we have contributed to enhancing coordination of service providers, such as Cesspool empties and Water Tanker operators, in Tamale. Specifically, CRS made a cash donation of GHS 49,000 in addition to other accessories for the rollout of the iCesspool Application in Tamale.
I wish to state emphatically CRS’ commitment and resolve to continue to provide technical support for the delivery of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services. As part of this commitment, CRS will continue to support the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to develop concept notes and proposals to source funds for the various thematic areas in the CWIS plan and provide technical support in the implementation of the plan.
I would take this opportunity to implore all present to join our collective efforts to restore the Nawuni sub-catchment to secure water supply for Greater Tamale and surrounding communities as indicated under thematic area 6 of the CWIS plan.
As I conclude, it is my hope that, the presentations and sharing on this innovative approach would engender sector-wide discourse that could serve as a key reference for institutions and stakeholders that are supporting duty bearers to deliver WASH services in the various districts in Ghana. Thank you.”