Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) experience during flooding: the Nsukwao community of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research examines the water, sanitation, and hygiene experiences during flooding. Floods are among the disasters that cause widespread destructions to human lives, properties and the environment. Flooding occurs every year at different places with varied scales across the globe. The focus of the study is the Nsukwao community, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Nsukwao community is prone to seasonal flooding, and in the year 2017, the government of Ghana through the Nsukwao Basin Project tried to solve the seasonal flooding. However, the issues persisted. This research utilised a mixed method approach where semi-structured interviews were undertaken and a survey questionnaire was also randomly administered. The survey questionnaire yielded a response rate of 52%. After the data analysis, it was found that the Nsukwao community has acceptable water and sanitation facilities, however, during the rainy season, the community members are negatively impacted. Also, the community members do not take part in water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes because they are never consulted. To improve water, sanitation, and hygiene experiences, it is important for the government through the municipal and district councils to extensively engage the local community.