Self supply schemes for community water supply in Ghana

Jachie and Esereso are communities in the Bosomtwi-Atwima Kwanwoma District in Ashanti Region located on the outskirts of Kumasi with poor access to improved water supply services. The acute water supply situation in the communities has led many individuals described in this study as ‘Self Suppliers’ to provide water to serve their families and other members of the community for free or for a fee. This study examined who the Self Suppliers are, how they operate, the quality of water supplied, their market share and coverage through a survey carried out with these service providers and consumers in both communities. The Self Suppliers are the main water service providers in the two communities. However, water quality from these providers did not meet the Ghana Standards Board’s required quality levels. This paper highlights the role of these self-supply schemes in community water supply delivery in Ghana.