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“In the dry season, our suffering doubles”: Barriers to water access in poor urban settlements in Ghana

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  • Willow Leahy
  • Meshack Achore
  • Florence Dery

Abstract

If current trends of water insecurity continue, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population will live in water-scarce conditions by 2025. Nevertheless, qualitative studies on barriers to water access, particularly in informal settlements, remain limited. This study used in-depth interviews to examine the daily barriers to water access faced by urban poor households in Ghana. A total of 30 (n = 30) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with residents in water-insecure areas in Tamale and Accra, Ghana. Four themes emerged from our analysis: lack of financial resources, distance and travel time, land and topography, and poor water infrastructure. Sustainable Development Goal Six cannot be achieved if the water needs of the urban poor, particularly those who dwell in informal settlements, are unmet. Thus, governments and systems must implement measures to eliminate inequalities and inequities in water distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Willow Leahy & Meshack Achore & Florence Dery, 2024. "“In the dry season, our suffering doubles”: Barriers to water access in poor urban settlements in Ghana," PLOS Water, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pwat00:0000265
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pwat.0000265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joan J Kimutai & Crick Lund & Wilkister N Moturi & Seble Shewangizaw & Merga Feyasa & Charlotte Hanlon, 2023. "Evidence on the links between water insecurity, inadequate sanitation and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(5), pages 1-22, May.
    2. Ellis Adjei Adams, 2018. "Thirsty slums in African cities: household water insecurity in urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(6), pages 869-887, November.
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