Following initial reforms carried out in 2015, GWCL last year completed several stages of a successor programme supported by 2ML Consulting. It showed sustained performance and meaningful improvements throughout the year.
GWCL (Ghana Water Company Limited) is the state-owned company responsible for potable water supply to all urban communities in Ghana.
What makes it special?
Formerly characterized by a weak financial position, low staff motivation, inadequate deployment of available technology and poor public perception. GWCL is now well on its way to achieving its vision of being a prosperous world-class utility. Under the ‘Ship 180’ programme (Sustaining High Performance in 180 Days), revenue collection rose significantly for six consecutive months.
GWLC has increased urban water supply coverage from 60% to 76%, gaining ground on the Sustainable Development Goal for Water and driving forward Ghana’s economic development.
The sustained performance across the utility has increased competition thanks to an internal incentives system. Operational staff on motorbikes called ‘mobile men’ use their speed and agility to identify and fix leaks, while ‘water ambassadors’ have been recruited to represent local communities, report pipe breakages on site, and direct fellow residents to pay points.
It is this kind of grass-roots mobilisation which is transforming Africa’s urban water sector.
Excerpt from page 82 in last months issue of GWI.