Partner:
COWATER International Inc. (GOG / CIDA)
Period:
Jul 2008 – 2016
Country of Operation:
Ghana (Northern Region)
Category:
Community Development
Project Snapshot:
The NORST-Ghana project was designed to increase access to potable water and improved sanitation services in up to 30 small towns in Ghana’s Northern Region. By designing, installing, and providing capacity building for water supply systems and sanitation facilities, the project aimed to significantly enhance public health and quality of life. PDA supported the initiative by providing specialized expertise in conflict mitigation and gender-based social inclusion.
Project Objectives:
- Expand access to clean water and proper sanitation in small towns across the Northern Region.
- Design and install sustainable water supply and sanitation systems tailored to local needs.
- Build local capacity for the effective operation and maintenance of these systems.
- Address potential social challenges by integrating conflict mitigation and gender perspectives into project planning.
PDA’s Task:
PDA deployed a Conflict Mitigation Specialist who analyzed the tribal conflict situation in the Eastern Corridor of the Northern Region, summarizing key stakeholder roles and responsibilities. Additionally, PDA provided a Gender Specialist to ensure that social inclusion was embedded in the project’s conceptual framework.
How We Went About It:
- Conflict Analysis: Conducted a comprehensive review of the tribal conflict dynamics in the Eastern Corridor, identifying main stakeholders and clarifying their roles in mitigating conflicts.
- Specialist Deployment: Integrated the skills of a Conflict Mitigation Specialist and a Gender Specialist to address both security and social inclusion aspects throughout the project lifecycle.
- Capacity Building: Assisted in developing training modules and operational strategies to equip local stakeholders with the necessary skills to manage water supply and sanitation systems effectively.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated closely with community leaders, local government, and other relevant agencies to ensure that project design and implementation were aligned with community needs and regulatory requirements.