The sanitation situation in Kwahu-Tafo (in common with most of Ghana) is not good. The majority of households have no sewage system at all and boast a long-drop if that. Otherwise the inhabitants use public conveniences (which are not free) or simply go to the "rocks" or the "bush", or even the nearest refuse dump.

 

Such public lavatories as there are have been provided by the District Assembly or private benefactors. Each has an attendant collecting 5 pesewas (about 2 US cents) per visit and handing out a sheet of newspaper. By custom, youngsters and the very old and/or indigent are excused payment at the attendant's discretion.

 

These facilities are of the long-drop kind, called KVIPs, and in Tafo the majority of them are out of commission due to over-use. A new 10-seater WC facility is being constructed by the District Assembly, for which the charge will be 10 pesewas. Some will still find it necessary to avoid paying this charge and will go to the bush instead.

 

FOT is working with KTDC's Director of Projects to assess the viability of a "green" facility, the current best bet being a South African patented "Enviro-loo" which saves costs all round, is waterless and clean to use, and recycles the waste into usable compost. We are hopeful that funding will allow us to pursue this course.

 

Schools also lack facilities - it never having been part of the Government's (or the individual founding churches) vision to provide any when the schools were built. Some have acquired urinals from various funding sources, but greater help is required, and FOT - with funding provided by the initiative of the pupils of St. Paul's Boys School in Hammersmith London - is working on a programme to install 10-seater WCs (or perhaps Enviro-loos) in all schools.

 

A major source of concern is the state of the town's small river Bupru. Clogged and silted up, the course of the river allows very little water to flow, and stagnant pools and flooding cause health hazards to many dwellings nearby. Malaria is only one of the consequent diseases that result.

 

In August 2008 the UK's GreencareH2O, having inspected the situation, undertook to fund a major dredging programme, already costed by KTDC, to take place in the next available dry month February 2009. This programme will clear the 1.5 mile river bed throughout the town, planting specific vegetation on the banks to reduce silting, and instituting an "animation" (public information) campaign to get the populace on board for future maintenance. The result will be cleaner flowing water, no flooding, and no stagnant pools. Two additional benefits are anticipated: (1) Improved and cleaner flow over the end-of-town waterfall Butuase which will enhance its recreational attraction for visitors and locals, and (2) the feasibility of an income-generating fish farm, to be run by KTDC for the benefit of the community.

 

 

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