Exploring implications of urban growth scenarios and investments for water supply, sanitation, wastewater generation and use in Accra, Ghana

Large cities in developing countries are challenged to meet steeply water demands and to dispose of wastewater safely in a context of urbanisation and poor water management and planning capacities. Urban water management has direct implications for water availability and sewage disposal in terms of quality and quantity. Studying the future implications and assessing the scale of impact of these processes starts with an understanding of the various water flows, supply and sewage infrastructure and uses of the water that is supplied to the city. It is argued that changes in water infrastructure and household water use and sanitation facilities at the city level has implications for upstream supply and demand management and downstream wastewater management. This paper explores this research area with a focus on Accra in Ghana. It is argued that the current situation in Accra shows a need and potential for improvement of water supply and wastewater treatment, however, through ways that do not require more concrete pipes.