reviewed paper

33rd WEDC International Conference, Accra, Ghana, 2008 ACCESS TO SANITATION AND SAFE WATER: GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND LOCAL ACTIONS

Management of Sewerage System: Case Study in Tema E. Awuah, E. Donkor & E.K.M. Sanjok, Ghana Many sanitation systems in most developing countries have deteriorated resulting in a lower level of service and consequent deterioration of environmental conditions. The sewerage system in the Tema Municipality is not different from other developing countries; three pumping stations and the treatment plant have been shut down hence raw sewage flows through a by-pass into the sea without treatment, creating an environmental hazard. This study examined the problems associated with the management of the sewerage system in Tema Municipality through field visits, administering questionnaires and interviews with key stakeholders. The study revealed that Tema Metropolitan Assembly (T.M.A) lacks key personnel; equipment, logistics and funds to manage the system. 33% of the residents using the sewer lines are not billed; the tariffs paid by the industries are low. The revenue does not march Operation and Maintenance cost and current electrical energy cost make up 64% of the Operation and Maintenance cost.

Introduction

The Tema Municipal Sewage System was constructed in the early sixties for the collection, transport and treatment of human excreta and grey water within the Tema Municipality. The management of the system was under the control of the Tema Development Corporation until 1995 when it was transferred to the Tema Municipal Assembly (T.M.A.). The transfer was done after a major rehabilitation of the system had been carried out and a new treatment plant constructed to treat the sewage before it is discharged in the sea. T.M.A. has been experiencing difficulty in the operation and maintenance of the Sewerage System in the Tema Municipality. The newly constructed treated plant and the three pumping stations have been shut down and raw sewage is flowing through a by-pass into the sea without treatment. This situation is very alarming and creates environmental pollution and health hazard. This study therefore seeks to assess problems associated with operating and maintaining the sewerage network and the treatment plant, assess the current tariff structure to determine the adequacy of the tariff, the subsidy level and to determine the cost of operation and maintenance of the sewerage system in Tema Municipality. The study began with a review of relevant documents at T.M.A. Household questionnaires were then administered to assess public perception and the billing system. In addition interviews were conducted with officials at T.M.A. to collect quantitative and qualitative data on financial, institutional and technical aspects of the research.

Institutional Capacity and Development

The strength of every institution is judged by its performance in terms of performance indicators. Performance indicators are related skills, procedures and capabilities that define a particular area of institutional function. A strong institution is one that has positive performance indicators such as quality of service, cost-effectiveness and consumer satisfaction in terms of service delivery. For example management, training capacity, leadership and technical capability are often found to be the areas of institution deficiency. If management skills and knowledge are deficient, this will be seen in the operation and maintenance of the sewage system, billing and collection of revenue. The key elements of institutional capacity are policies and procedures existing within the institution, the Organizational Structure, Management and Human resource development and ability of the institution to finance its operations. (Edwards et al, 1991)

Awuah, Donkor & Sanjok Procedures Procedures are formal or official order of doing things in institutions or organizations. Systems usually designed by institution include written procedures for design, construction supervision, procurement, operations and maintenance. For the overall management of the institution, procedures will cover management control, management information systems, performance measure and standards. Policies Policies are plans of action, statement of ideas proposed or adopted by an institution. For an institution responsible for sewerage works, there must be a policy on operations, maintenance, procurement, fixed assets inventory, inventory control, financial planning, billing and collections (Edwards et al, 1991). Organizational structure In order to operate successfully, every institution or organisation needs to be organised in such a way that every employee has a clearly defined role in terms of his or her own work and of work relationships with other employees. Most organizations start this process by drawing up an organizational chart. This defines management responsibilities by function. It should not be used to show personal status but as a tool that will allow any employee to identify personal, work group and company responsibilities and communication link. This document should clearly show not only the duties and responsibilities, but also the objectives, by defining the ways in which the jobholder can contribute towards the overall objective of making the organization into a world-class player (Edwards et al, 1991). Management development Management development involves management strengthening. This requires a management development program. A well – conceived program to strength management will aim at changing managerial behaviour in the work place. Management development should involved programs such as on-the-job training, short courses or workshops in management skills, tailored to meet the needs of the institution. This includes both formal training programs and the informal training that occurs through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and job rotation. In addition to a regular process of skill transfer, effective institutions maintain staff through providing sufficient incentives, compensation, employee benefits, and promotion opportunities so there is a minimum of unwanted turnover.

Study Area

Geographical Location Tema is a harbour town close to Accra in the Greater Accra Region. Its construction started in 1951 to provide residential accommodation and urban amenities to the harbour and the work force of industries. Tema is located on Longitude 0º and Latitude 5º 38” North. It occupies an area of 163.2 km2. It has currently twenty three Communities with three more to be developed. It shares boundary with Ningo Prampram on the north, Gulf of Guinea on the south, Kpone and Nungua on the east and west respectively. Tema Municipality has a population 141,479 as at 2000 and a current projected population of 450,085. (Statistical Service, 2000). Sewerage System The Tema Sewerage System was constructed in 1963. The existing Sanitary Sewer System covers twelve communities, the harbour and the industrial area. The whole area of the town is divided into three catchments basins by two ridges. The three basins are: • The southern basin, which covers part of Communities 2, 3 and the harbour; • The western basin, which covers Communities 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; • The eastern one covers Community1, parts of Communities 4 and 7 and the industrial area. The system has 100mm diameter gravity house sewers, 150mm diameter sub-mains and 300mm diameter mains or trunk sewers forming the sewer network. The system has three pumping stations (PS); all these pumping stations had three pumps each and each had a pumping capacity of 105, 53 and 94 L/s for PS1, PS2 and PS3 respectively. In 1994, a major rehabilitation of the three pumping stations was done under Urban II Project. Two new pumps were installed at each pumping station. The pumping capacity for each pump was 225, 60, and 304

14

Sewerage System The Tema Sewerage System was constructed in 1963. The existing Sanitary Sewer System covers twelve communities, the harbour and the industrial area. The whole area of the town is divided into three catchments basins by two ridges. The three basins are: Awuah,DONKOR Donkor & AWUAH, & Sanjok SANJOK

• The southern basin, which covers part of Communities 2, 3 and the harbour; • The western basin, which covers Communities 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; • The eastern one covers Community1, parts of Communities 4 and 7 and the industrial area. The system has 100mm diameter gravity house sewers, 150mm diameter sub-mains and 300mm diameter mains or trunk sewers forming the sewer network. The system has three pumping stations (PS); all these pumping stations had three pumps each and each had a pumping capacity of 105, 53 and 94 L/s for PS1, PS2 and PS3 respectively. In 1994, a major rehabilitation of the three pumping stations was done under Urban II Project. Two new pumps were installed at each pumping station. The pumping capacity for each pump was 225, 60, and 304 L/s for PS1, PS2 and PS3 respectively. A new treatment plant was construction at Community 3 to treat domestic sewage from PS1 and PS2. Sewage from these pumping stations was diverted to the treatment plant via a 450mm and 300mm diameter pumping mains for PS1and PS2. Treatment Plant The treatment plant is made up of seven ponds; the first two in parallel connected to the last five in series. The first three ponds of the treatment plant have been designed to function as aerated lagoons but currently only one of them operates as an aerated lagoon. The fourth pond is a facultative pond and the last three in one pond serves as a maturation pond. Sewerage System The Tema Sewerage System was constructed in 1963. The existing Sanitary Sewer System covers twelve Maturation Maturation Maturation Se communities, the harbour and the industrial area. The whole area of the town is divided into three catchments Pond Pond Pond a basins by two ridges. The three basins are: • The southern basin, which covers part of Communities 2, 3 and the harbour; • The western basin, which covers Communities 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; Aerated Aerated Facultative Lagoon Lagoon Pond area. • The eastern one covers Community1, parts of Communities 4 and 7 and the industrial Grit Chamber

Influent The system has 100mm diameter gravity house sewers, 150mm diameter sub-mains and 300mm diameter Aerated Lagoon mains or trunk sewers forming the sewer network. The system hasFigure three pumping stations (PS); allDiagram these pumping stations Plant had three pumps each and each 1. WEDC1. -Schematic Schematic of Treatment Design Treatment Design had a pumping capacity ofFigure 105, 53 and 94 L/s Diagram for PS1, of PS2 and PS3Plant respectively. In 1994, a major rehabilitation of the three pumping stations was done under Urban II Project. Two new pumps installed at each station. pumping capacity for each pump was 225,360, and 304 L/swere for PS1, PS2 and PS3 pumping respectively. A newThe treatment plant was construction at Community to treat L/s for PS1, PS2 andfrom PS3PS1 respectively. A new from treatment wasstations construction at Community 3 to treat domestic sewage and PS2. Sewage these plant pumping was diverted to the treatment domestic fromand PS1 and PS2. Sewage frommains thesefor pumping stations was diverted to the treatment plant sewage via a 450mm 300mm diameter pumping PS1and PS2. plant via a 450mm and 300mm diameter pumping mains for PS1and PS2. 3

Treatment Plant

Treatment Plantplant is made up of seven ponds; the first two in parallel connected to the last five in series. The treatment The first three ponds of theup treatment havethe been designed functionconnected as aerated to lagoons butfive currently The treatment plant is made of sevenplant ponds; first two intoparallel the last in series. only one of them operates as an aerated lagoon. The fourth pond is a facultative pond and the last three in The first three ponds of the treatment plant have been designed to function as aerated lagoons but currently one pond serves as a maturation pond. only one of them operates as an aerated lagoon. The fourth pond is a facultative pond and the last three in one pond serves as a maturation pond.

Problems Associated with Operation and Maintenance of Sewerage System

The study identified four group of problems associated with the management of the Tema sewerage system. These are technical, institutional, social, andMaturation environmental. Maturation Maturation Se a

Pond

Pond

Pond

Technical Problem The study showed that the tree roots and rodents disturb the sewer lines. This is probably because the tree roots near the sewer lines causes the lines to break thus rodents end up in the lines. Broken manhole covers and pipes can be attributed to the age of sewers and low maintenance The study revealed Aerated Aerated of the system. Facultative Lagoon Pondto deteriorate for that the sewerage system is over forty years, Lagoon thus most of the appurtenances are bound Grit Chamber Influent

Aerated Lagoon

Figure 1. WEDC - Schematic Diagram of Treatment Plant Design 15

Awuah, Donkor & Sanjok

lack of routine maintenance. The broken manholes and pipes are the probable cause of the siltation of the sewer-lines. Also, the sewer lines were blocked by oil deposits from factories and garages; this is because the there are no regulations set by T.M.A. to ensure that factories treat their wastewater before discharging it into the sewer lines. Institutional Problems The study revealed the under listed problems: • T. M. A. lacks the capacity in terms of personnel, equipment, logistics and finances to manage the sewer network and the treatment plant, • Lack of incentives, motivation and poor salary of workers, • Poor record keeping, • Financial mismanagement, • No separate account for sewer revenue, • No separate budget for Operation and Maintenance, • Poor billing system, • Trained personnel leaving after contract period. The institutional problems that have engulfed T.M.A. might be attributed to the fact that the sewerage works were transferred to T.M.A. without first building the needed capacity. Social Problems The social problems identified during the study were improper sewer user attitude, non-payment of tariff, abuse of system by users, building on sewer-lines, dumping of refuse into sewer manholes, use of improper anal cleansing materials and illegal connections. The study revealed that these social problems have accounted for the present state of the Tema sewerage system. The cause of all these problems stems from the fact that people have not been given the needed education on the use of the sewer hence the abuse of the system. Users also feel it is the responsibility of T.M.A. to maintain the system out of its own resources. Environmental Problem From the field visits and interview with the Assembly, problems related with the environment was that of the offensive odour from the sewage treatment plants and it associated nuisance caused by mosquitoes and other flies. This is because two of the pounds, which had been designed as aerated lagoons, are now being used as anaerobic ponds because they have no aerators.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Cost

Table 1 above shows that the current operation and maintenance cost is $203,629.86 and the electrical cost make up 64% of the O&M. The electrical energy is used for the pumping stations and one aerator unit; it can therefore be inferred that if all three aerator units are put into operation the electrical cost will increase hence the actual O&M will be $430,686.85. The study revealed that T. M. As inability to pay for the electrical energy has lead to cutting of power and subsequent shutting down of the pumping stations and the treatment plant. Awuah et al, 1996 carried out studies on the performance of neglected Waste Stabilisation Ponds (WSP) and it was found that WSP in its worse state could perform well in Ghana. The treatment plant can therefore be converted to a natural system consisting of two anaerobic ponds, a facultative and three maturation ponds.

Revenue and Cost Comparison

The study revealed that the Assembly charges $0.029/m3 for all types of waste without considering the characteristics of the waste. The study further showed that 33% of residents were not billed. The residential commercial and institutional revenue amounted to $153,923.07 and the industrial revenue was $69,692.31 bringing the total to $223,615.38. It can therefore be inferred that if the 33% of customers were billed the Assembly could raise the O&M cost or close to the cost. Apparently, the revenue of $223,615.38 collected by T.M.A does not cater for the true operation and maintenance cost of $430,686.85.

16

AWUAH, Donkor DONKOR&&Sanjok SANJOK Awuah,

Anaerobic Pond

Facultative Grit Pond Chamber Table 1. WEDC – Operation and Maintenance Cost Table 1. Operation and Maintenance Cost

Screened Influent

Anaerobic Pond

Category Categor

Maturation Pond

Maturation Pond

Existing Existing cost ($) cost ($)

True cost ($) True cost ($)

37,831.77

37,831.77

99,318.30

Electricalenergy energy cost cost Electrical

130,527.00

130,527.00

Maintenance(materials) (materials) Maintenance

5,645.97

5,645.97

19,782.80

19,782.80

Maintenance(vehicles) (vehicles) Maintenance

9,113.34

9,113.34

18,227.09

18,227.09

Salary/Wage Salary/Wages

200,000.00*

Maturation Pond

99,318.30 200,000.00*

Effluent to Korle Lagoon

Maintenance(equipment) (equipment) Maintenance

2,000.00 28,400.96 2,000.00 28,400.96 Figure 2. WEDC – Schematic diagram of Proposed Natural Treatment System

FigureTT2. WEDC diagram of Proposed32,120 Natural Treatment System plant chemicals – Schematic 0.00 .00 plant chemicals 0.00 32,120 .00 Administrative expenses expenses Administrative

18,511.78

Total Total

203,629.86

18,511.78 203,629.86

32,837.70

32,837.70

430,686.85

430,686.85

venue and Cost Comparison

* Suppose all three aerated lagoons are in operation * Suppose all three aerated lagoons are in operation

e study revealed that the Assembly charges $0.029/m3 for all types of waste without considering racteristics of the waste. The study Anaerobic further showed that 33% of residents were not billed. The residen Pond mmercial and institutional revenue amounted to $153,923.07 and the industrial revenue was $69,69 Maturation Maturation Facultative Maturation Grit Pond Chamber nging the total to $223,615.38. It can therefore Pond be inferredPondthat if the 33% ofPondcustomers were billed Anaerobic embly could raiseScreened the O&M cost or Pond close to the cost. Apparently, the revenue of $223,615.38 colle Influent T.M.A does not cater for the true operation and maintenance cost of $430,686.85. Effluent to Korle Lagoon

2. WEDC – Schematic diagram of Proposed Natural Treatment System rformance of theFigure Tema Municipal Assembly: Public Perception Figure 2. Schematic diagram of Proposed Natural Treatment System Figure 2. WEDC – Schematic diagram of Proposed Natural Treatment System

e study showed that the performance of the Assembly in terms of service delivery, response to complaints and2 Cost ing were poor. Revenue Figures 1, and 3Comparison below are the charts illustrating the performance of the Assembly The study revealed that the Assembly charges $0.029/m3 for all types of waste without considering the characteristics of the waste. The study further showed that 33% of residents were not billed. The residential commercial and institutional revenue amounted to $153,923.07 and the industrial revenue was $69,692.31 UTILITY PERFORMANCE bringing the total to $223,615.38. It can therefore be inferred that if the 33% of customers were billed the Assembly could raise the O&M cost or close to the cost. Apparently, the revenue of $223,615.38 collected 80 by T.M.A does not cater for the true operation and maintenance cost of $430,686.85. 70

Performance of the Tema Municipal Assembly: Public Perception 60

The study showed that the performance of the Assembly in terms of service delivery, response to complaints and PERCENTAGE billing were poor. Figures 1, 2 and 3 below are the charts illustrating the performance of the Assembly. 50 40 UTILITY PERFORMANCE

30

80

70

20

60 PERCENTAGE

10

50

40

0

30

UNCERTAIN

GOOD

SATISFACTORY

POOR

20

Figure 3. WEDC - Utility’s performance 10

0

Figure 3. Utility’s performance

Figure 3. WEDC - Utility’s performance

UNCERTAIN

GOOD

SATISFACTORY

Figure 3. WEDC - Utility’s performance Figure 3. WEDC - Utility’s performance

17

55

POOR

AWUAH, DONKOR & SANJOK

AWUAH, DONKOR & SA

Awuah, Donkor & Sanjok

33%

33%

42% 58% 67%

Bill Recipient Non-bill Recipient

No Response

Bill Recipient Non-bill Recipient

Figure 4. WEDC – Percentage billing

Figure

58%

Response

67%

Figure Figure 4. WEDC – Percentage billing 5. WEDC – T.M.As response to complaints

Figure 4. Percentage billing billing 4. WEDC – Percentage

Figure4. 5. WEDC T.M.As5.response to complaints Figure Figure –WEDC Percentage – T.M.As billing response

complaints

Fig

to

Figu

Performance of the Tema Municipal Assembly: Public Perception

The study showed the performance of the Assembly in terms of service delivery, response to complaints and Conclusion &that Way Forward Conclusion & Way Forward billing were poor. Figures 1, 2 and 3 below are the charts illustrating the performance of the Assembly.

The following are the conclusions drawn fromThe the study: following are the conclusions drawn from the study: Conclusion & Way Forward

The following are the conclusions drawn from the study:

• Tema Municipal Assembly lacks the managerial, • Tema technical Municipal and financial Assemblycapacity lacks the tomanagerial, manage the technical sewer- and age system in the Assembly Tema municipality hence the age system system not in the being Tema managed municipality efficiently. hence the system is not b • Tema Municipal lacks the managerial, technical and is financial capacity to manage the sewersystem in theshould Tema municipality hence of thethe system is not being managed efficiently. • Theage government redefine roles • management The government and put should in place redefine proper roles procedures of the management and poli- and • The government should redefine roles of the management and put in place proper procedures and policies to increase the performance of management cies and to in increase tend increase the performance the efficiency of management of the treatment and in tend in cies to increase the performance of management and in tend increase the efficiency of the treatment plant. plant. plant. • T.M.A. needs $430,686.85 to cover •theT.M.A. the Operation needs an amount and Maintenance of $430,686.85 to cover year. the Operatio • T.M.A. needsan an amount amount ofof$430,686.85 to cover Operation and Maintenance cost per year. cost per • The treatment plant should be converted to a natural treatment system consisting of two anaerobic • The treatment plant should be converted to a•natural The treatment treatment plant system should consisting be converted of twotoanaerobic a natural treatment ponds, a facultative and maturation ponds. ponds, a facultative andthree three maturation ponds. ponds, a facultative and three maturation ponds. • The Assembly should set tariffs based on the characteristics of the waste water. • The Assembly should set tariffs based on the• characteristics The Assemblyofshould the waste set tariffs water.based on the characteristics of • T.M.A. should improve their collection system by billing all customers so as to be able to generate • T.M.A. should improve their collection system • T.M.A. by billing should all customers improve their so ascollection to be ablesystem to generate by billing all c enough revenue to operate the treatment plant efficiently. enough revenue to operate the treatment plant enough efficiently. revenue to operate the treatment plant efficiently.

References References References Awuah, E., Nkrumah, E. and Monney, J. G. (1996) The Performance of Asokwa Waste Stabilisation Awuah, E., and Nkrumah, E. and Monney, G. (1996) Awuah, The Performance Nkrumah, E. ofofand Asokwa Monney, Waste J. Stabilisation G. (1996) The Perform Ponds the condition of other sewageJ.treatment plants inE., Ghana. University Science and TechnolPonds theofcondition of other 16 sewage Ponds plants and the in Ghana. condition University of other of sewage Science treatment and Technolplants in G ogy and Journal Science Technology (1&2). treatment Cole,G.A. Management Theory and Printers of limited, pp. 5Technology 16 (1&2). ogy Journal(1996) of Science Technology 16Practice. (1&2).Martins ogy Journal Science Edward,(1996) D. B., Salt, E and Rosensweig, F. (1991) Choices for Sectorial Organization in Water Cole,G.A. Management Theory and Practice. Cole,G.A. Martins (1996) Printers Management limited, Theory pp.&5 Sanitaand Practice. Martins Pr tion. WA SH technical report no. 74, pp. 22. Edwards, D., Salt, E and Rosensweig, F. (1991) Managing Edward, D. B., Salt, E and Rosensweig, F. (1991) Edward, Choices D. B., for Salt, Sectorial E andOrganization Rosensweig,inF.Water (1991) & Choices Sanita- for S Institutional Development Projects Water and Sanitation. WA SH technical report no. 49, pp. 7, 11 – 14, tion.51& WASH technical report no. 74, pp. 22. Edwards, tion. WASH D., Salt, technical E and report Rosensweig, no. 74, F. pp. (1991) 22. Edwards, Managing D., Salt 60. Institutional Development Projects Water and Institutional WASH Development technical reportStatistical no. Water 49,and pp. Sanitation. 7, 11 – 14, WAS Ghana Statistical Service (2005) 2000 Population and Sanitation. Housing Census: Ashanti Region.Projects Ghana Service: Ghana. 51& 60. 51& 60. Ghana Statistical Service (2005) 2000 Population Ghana andStatistical Housing Census: Service Ashanti (2005) 2000 Region. Population Ghana Statistical and Housing C Keywords Service: Ghana. Service: Ghana. management, sewerage system, service delivery

Keywords Keywords management, sewerage system, service delivery. management, sewerage system, service delivery. Contact details Esi Awuah Civil Eng. Dept., KNUST Tel: 233-051-60226/60235 Fax: 233-051-60235 Email: [email protected]

Contact details Emmanuel Esi Donkor Awuah Edward Kwesi Emmanuel MensahDonkor Sanjok 18 Civil Eng. Dept., Civil Eng. KNUST Dept., KNUST Civil Eng. Dept., KNUST Tel: 233-051-60226/60235 Fax: 233-051-60235 Email: [email protected]

Awuah, Donkor & Sanjok

Contact details Esi Awuah Civil Eng. Dept., KNUST Tel: 233-051-60226/60235 Fax: 233-051-60235 Email: [email protected]

Emmanuel Donkor Civil Eng. Dept., KNUST

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Edward Kwesi Mensah Sanjok