Rudy writes:
On Wednesday, Irene and I are off to David Mensah's integrated rural development project in Carpenter. Carpenter is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Tamale (2 hours south on good roads, the picture on left is of an accident we encounter bewtween a bus and a tractor, and 1 hour on let's say rural roads). 
On Wednesday/Thursday, I (with David Mensah's driver, Simon) leave on a 2 day tour of some of the 14 small towns I worked with between 1994-97. Our primary role back then was to develop a sustainable water delivery system for these towns. 15 years previous Canada had rebuilt these systems and the Ghanaian Federal gov't that was operating them was not repairing them and stealing most of the revenue. This was not sustainable. Our task was to set up local Water Boards that would operate the hand pump and electric well pumps used to supply water, collect revenue, and pay for operating and maintenance costs. When I left in 1997, the Boards were formed, systems were being upgraded and most importantly water was being sold, revenue collected (not stolen) and banked and bills were being paid.
The main purpose of our trip to Ghana was to see if the Water Boards after 10 years were still operating and able to keep the water systems operating using their own revenue.
My trip to 4 representative towns where I invited myself in and spoke to some Water Board chairpersons that I remembered and some I did not, indicated that the Boards were functioning surprisingly well. As well, the Ghanaian gov't was continuing to build on the community controlled Water Board concept that our project had helped create. Also, several other Aid projects funded by other European countries are using our community Water Board Concept to develop viable/sustainable water delivery systems in more small towns. All great news. I can go home knowing that on this project, Canadian Foreign Aid will have made a long term sustainable contribution to the development of reliable water supply systems in Northern Ghana.
That however does not mean the Water Boards are not without serius challenges which they continue to work out daily.
Samples include the following:
1. Due to electrical problems, well pumps burn out and need replacement. Since our project had built in an Association of Water Boards concept within which regular contributions were deposited by all communities into a reserve fund for emergencies, funds were available within this group of Water Boards to fund their own emergencies. Previously these towns would have gone without clean water for extended periods. Once repaired the town would have to repay the loan from their Association of Water Boards.
2. Water Meters - Many more water meters are required to help control wasteful use of water and to reduce arguments and tension related to whether the flat rate was a fair rate. More meters require more capital to purchase and install them.
3. Water Meter Repair - Once installed water meters can break down. There are no local plumbers capable of repairing them. Training and a spare parts procurement system is required.
4. Overdue accounts - Some gov't agencies are not paying their water bills. As a result pressure builds on the Water Board's finances to meet its obligations to pay for its operating expenses such as Hydro costs. Tension builds and efforts continue to try to find out why the payments are not flowing smoothly. Remember this is 10 years later and they are still working on these types of issues. Development is a slow process it seems.
Back in Tamale, I visited my old office in Ghana Water and Sewage and found our project logo still on my office door and on our project vehicles, which are still being used. Considering how rough many of the roads are, this is amazing.
I found 4-5 people still there that I worked with 10 years ago. We had a great time reflecting back on how things had evolved over the past 10 years and how slowly the process of developing a country seems to go.
Having said that, here is a sample listing things that have improved significantly since we were last here 10 years ago.
1. Many people use reliable cell phones whereas 10 years ago the land lines were not reliable. Land lines are also now more reliable. We can phone Winnipeg withour difficulty. Privitizing has been the key.
2. Some main roads that were previously a nightmare to travel are paved with painted lines and wide shoulders.
3. Many towns now haev electrical power from the central power grid instead of diesel generators.
4. ATMs are available and cash can move much more freely.
5. Military rule has evolved into a working democracy after several successfully completed elections.
6. Ethnic conflicts have been somewhat resolved. Many from the conflict areas have moved into safer urban areas and hopefully peace and stability will prevail.
7. Freedom of speech in newspapers and radio has continued to improve.
But driving through the countryside there is still some serious poverty, old-time witchcraft and other issues that need work.
Speaking of poverty, can you imagine 2 men sitting on a large piece of demolished concrete from an abandoned bridge with a hammer and chisel working to remove the concrete piece by piece so they can get the steel rebar out for sale or making steel products.
Or 2 men sitting with large chunks of rock breaking them down with a hammer and chisel in 40C heat to make gravel which is worth $110 per truck load. If one man could make a truckload in 2 months, he would have a basic wage that meets his basic needs.
Having a great time! That's all for now.
On Wednesday, Irene and I are off to David Mensah's integrated rural development project in Carpenter. Carpenter is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Tamale (2 hours south on good roads, the picture on left is of an accident we encounter bewtween a bus and a tractor, and 1 hour on let's say rural roads). 
O
n arrival we are greeted by Noah the manager and Jacob, Peter and Thompson and others of the 24 staff working there. They are prepared for us and proceed to offer a comprehensive tour of the various development initiatives here. Following is a sampling:
1. Women & Farming - Between 500 and 800 women each year are given a large sack of peanuts for them to plant and begin their own farming operation. At the end of the year, they must give back one sack to repay the one originally given them, one sack for them to keep in a secure storage that they will use to re-seed next year, and one sack that will be used for a new applicant. They can get a return of 7-12 sacks per sack planted.
2. Emus & Ostriches - To supplement the revenue sources for existing farmers, the project is
investigating whether these birds can adapt to Northern Ghana. Their meat can provide protein and their skin and many other parts also have value.
3. Grass cutters - This is not a lawn mower, but a badger-like animal that Ghanains love to eat. In the dry season they burn the countryside grass to drive out the grasscutters. so they can shoot them. In the process this creates significant environmental damage. This project is working to see if they can be raised in a farm setting for their meat.
n arrival we are greeted by Noah the manager and Jacob, Peter and Thompson and others of the 24 staff working there. They are prepared for us and proceed to offer a comprehensive tour of the various development initiatives here. Following is a sampling:
1. Women & Farming - Between 500 and 800 women each year are given a large sack of peanuts for them to plant and begin their own farming operation. At the end of the year, they must give back one sack to repay the one originally given them, one sack for them to keep in a secure storage that they will use to re-seed next year, and one sack that will be used for a new applicant. They can get a return of 7-12 sacks per sack planted.2. Emus & Ostriches - To supplement the revenue sources for existing farmers, the project is
investigating whether these birds can adapt to Northern Ghana. Their meat can provide protein and their skin and many other parts also have value.
3. Grass cutters - This is not a lawn mower, but a badger-like animal that Ghanains love to eat. In the dry season they burn the countryside grass to drive out the grasscutters. so they can shoot them. In the process this creates significant environmental damage. This project is working to see if they can be raised in a farm setting for their meat.
4. Fish Farm - Fish can provide much needed protein for the rural people. The purpose of the project to see if Palapia fish and the Catfish can be farmed. In the rainy season water collects in large dugouts and low areas. They provide a source of water to communities for many uses including washing, water for cattle and unfortunately for drinking as well. The intent is to seed these dugouts with fingerlings and within 3-4 months when the dugouts often dryout, a crop of fish can be harvested.
5. Gari processing - Cassava is widely grown and used to produce a food product called Gari. The project has set up a cassava processing plant where the cassava is grated, squeeze-dried, screened and heat dried and then using wood as fuel is heat dried to produce the Gari food product. Jobs are created for the processing plant and the value added food product produced.
6. Teak trees - The project is supporting the farming of teak trees which are used locally as telephone poles.
The project staff are knowlegeable and committed to their endeavour. Electrical power should be available at the project site within 6 months. The power poles have been installed to within a couple of kms and are nearing the project site. The project site is presently on limited diesel power and also a small solar system to provide very basic electrical needs.
After a good lunch of rice, guinea fowl, and oranges we head back to Tamale, another 3 1/2 hour ride. We are now more committed to this project than before. 
We make one stop on our
6. Teak trees - The project is supporting the farming of teak trees which are used locally as telephone poles.
The project staff are knowlegeable and committed to their endeavour. Electrical power should be available at the project site within 6 months. The power poles have been installed to within a couple of kms and are nearing the project site. The project site is presently on limited diesel power and also a small solar system to provide very basic electrical needs.
After a good lunch of rice, guinea fowl, and oranges we head back to Tamale, another 3 1/2 hour ride. We are now more committed to this project than before. 
We make one stop on our way
back to greet David Mensah's mother. She lives in Bamboi and is very happy to see us and thanks us for stopping by.
back to greet David Mensah's mother. She lives in Bamboi and is very happy to see us and thanks us for stopping by.On Wednesday/Thursday, I (with David Mensah's driver, Simon) leave on a 2 day tour of some of the 14 small towns I worked with between 1994-97. Our primary role back then was to develop a sustainable water delivery system for these towns. 15 years previous Canada had rebuilt these systems and the Ghanaian Federal gov't that was operating them was not repairing them and stealing most of the revenue. This was not sustainable. Our task was to set up local Water Boards that would operate the hand pump and electric well pumps used to supply water, collect revenue, and pay for operating and maintenance costs. When I left in 1997, the Boards were formed, systems were being upgraded and most importantly water was being sold, revenue collected (not stolen) and banked and bills were being paid.
The main purpose of our trip to Ghana was to see if the Water Boards after 10 years were still operating and able to keep the water systems operating using their own revenue.
My trip to 4 representative towns where I invited myself in and spoke to some Water Board chairpersons that I remembered and some I did not, indicated that the Boards were functioning surprisingly well. As well, the Ghanaian gov't was continuing to build on the community controlled Water Board concept that our project had helped create. Also, several other Aid projects funded by other European countries are using our community Water Board Concept to develop viable/sustainable water delivery systems in more small towns. All great news. I can go home knowing that on this project, Canadian Foreign Aid will have made a long term sustainable contribution to the development of reliable water supply systems in Northern Ghana.
That however does not mean the Water Boards are not without serius challenges which they continue to work out daily.
Samples include the following:
1. Due to electrical problems, well pumps burn out and need replacement. Since our project had built in an Association of Water Boards concept within which regular contributions were deposited by all communities into a reserve fund for emergencies, funds were available within this group of Water Boards to fund their own emergencies. Previously these towns would have gone without clean water for extended periods. Once repaired the town would have to repay the loan from their Association of Water Boards.
2. Water Meters - Many more water meters are required to help control wasteful use of water and to reduce arguments and tension related to whether the flat rate was a fair rate. More meters require more capital to purchase and install them.
3. Water Meter Repair - Once installed water meters can break down. There are no local plumbers capable of repairing them. Training and a spare parts procurement system is required.
4. Overdue accounts - Some gov't agencies are not paying their water bills. As a result pressure builds on the Water Board's finances to meet its obligations to pay for its operating expenses such as Hydro costs. Tension builds and efforts continue to try to find out why the payments are not flowing smoothly. Remember this is 10 years later and they are still working on these types of issues. Development is a slow process it seems.
Back in Tamale, I visited my old office in Ghana Water and Sewage and found our project logo still on my office door and on our project vehicles, which are still being used. Considering how rough many of the roads are, this is amazing.
I found 4-5 people still there that I worked with 10 years ago. We had a great time reflecting back on how things had evolved over the past 10 years and how slowly the process of developing a country seems to go.
Having said that, here is a sample listing things that have improved significantly since we were last here 10 years ago.
1. Many people use reliable cell phones whereas 10 years ago the land lines were not reliable. Land lines are also now more reliable. We can phone Winnipeg withour difficulty. Privitizing has been the key.
2. Some main roads that were previously a nightmare to travel are paved with painted lines and wide shoulders.
3. Many towns now haev electrical power from the central power grid instead of diesel generators.
4. ATMs are available and cash can move much more freely.
5. Military rule has evolved into a working democracy after several successfully completed elections.
6. Ethnic conflicts have been somewhat resolved. Many from the conflict areas have moved into safer urban areas and hopefully peace and stability will prevail.
7. Freedom of speech in newspapers and radio has continued to improve.
But driving through the countryside there is still some serious poverty, old-time witchcraft and other issues that need work.
Speaking of poverty, can you imagine 2 men sitting on a large piece of demolished concrete from an abandoned bridge with a hammer and chisel working to remove the concrete piece by piece so they can get the steel rebar out for sale or making steel products.
Or 2 men sitting with large chunks of rock breaking them down with a hammer and chisel in 40C heat to make gravel which is worth $110 per truck load. If one man could make a truckload in 2 months, he would have a basic wage that meets his basic needs.
Having a great time! That's all for now.
1 comment:
Rudy:
You're obviously having a great time. It's too bad that your comprehensive "report" can't be turned into a revenue earner somehow.
Bob
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