UNICEF Ghana seeking partnerships to enhance affordable WASH services for underprivileged households

UNICEF-Ghana has reported that its pilot loan scheme has provided affordable toilet facilities to around 2,500 low-income households, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

Known as the Revolving Loan Scheme, this initiative allows beneficiaries to pay for the facilities through low-interest instalments, alleviating the financial strain of a lump-sum payment.

During a media engagement in Accra, Ramesh Bhusal, Chief of WASH at UNICEF-Ghana, emphasized the need for strategic partnerships with the government to expand the project and reach even more households nationwide.

“There is a revolving loan scheme available that offers low-interest loans to households,” he noted. He expressed concern over the annual $150 million investment in public toilet facilities, stating it fails to deliver value for money and necessary benefits.

“We aim to collaborate with the government and partners to expand this scheme, enabling low-income households to improve their sanitation rather than wasting funds on ineffective public toilets,” he added.

Mr. Ramesh emphasized that the Revolving Loan Scheme could be expanded with the right partnerships to ensure households have safe water connectivity.

“For households relying on sachet water, their expenses could instead fund a proper water connection,” he stated.

WASH Specialist Samuel Amoako-Mensah stressed that ensuring water quality requires collective efforts from all stakeholders and advocated for a change in attitudes among Ghanaians. He also highlighted the need for significant investment in Ghana Water Company Limited to fulfil its responsibilities.