Consumer Responses to Water Service Delivery in Accra: A Case Study of the Coping Mechanisms of Three Residential Areas

This Capstone project entailed exploring consumer and private sector responses to poor water supply service delivery in Accra, Ghana. Specifically, it compared various coping mechanisms of households in different water supply areas and income brackets and provided recommendations for the improvement of water service in Accra. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the team collected and analyzed primary and secondary data including key stakeholder interviews and a survey of 103 households in three residential areas of Mega Accra ? East Legon, Madina, and Adenta. The team found that Accra's residents in different neighborhoods and income brackets have developed various and different ways to manage their water needs and cope with poor and unequal water supply service delivery. The team's research data showed that water source, storage, cost, and quality are all influenced by geographic location and income level. Also, piped water service, though unreliable, remains an important source of water for most residents.