WHO DOES WHAT? ANALYSIS OF THE ROLES OF ACTORS IN AFFORDABLE SANITATION SERVICE DELIVERY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN KUMASI, GHANA

Abstract

Evidence suggests that the majority of people living in informal settlements lack affordable basic sanitation services.
This situation has been explored in numerous development discourses worldwide. Previous studies have argued for
harnessing the potential of local actors involved in delivering sanitation services to provide affordable sanitation to
informal settlements. However, limited research has focused on the specific roles sanitation service providers play in
delivering affordable sanitation services in informal settlements. This study employs a qualitative approach, drawing
on document reviews and semi-structured interviews, to ascertain the roles of sanitation service delivery actors in
delivering affordable sanitation services to informal dwellers. The results show a tripartite system of collaboration in
the delivery of affordable sanitation service in informal settlements in Kumasi, Ghana. With regard to specific roles,
the findings reveal that the state plays a planning, regulatory, and policy-making role, whereas non-state actors
mostly spearhead the delivery of sanitation services through financing, advocacy, management, research, training,
and capacity building. The study emphasizes the crucial role of diverse actors in service provision and stresses
enhanced coordination among these actors through effective participatory approaches in the delivery of affordable
sanitation services to informal urban communities.