Management of conventional sewerage system: case study of Tema Sewerage System
Loading...
Date
2004-11-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Sanitation systems usually fail because of poor management of the physical facilities. Many sanitation systems in most developing countries have deteriorated resulting in a lower service level and consequent deterioration of environmental conditions. Presently, the sewerage system in the Tema Township is not functioning the way it should. The three pumping stations and the treatment plant have been shut down and raw sewage flows through a by-pass into the sea without treatment, creating an environmental hazard.
Field visits, interviews and questionnaires were the methods used to collect data for the study.
The study found out that the organization responsible for the management of the sewerage system in Tema which is T.M.A lacks key personnel; equipment, logistics and funds to manage the system. The organization has neither separate budget for operation and maintenance of the sewerage system nor separate account for the sewage revenue. The study also found out that 33% of the residents using the sewer are not billed. Besides that, there is non-payment of bills and the industrial sewage tariff is low. The study further found out that the sewerage system is grossly abused by the users for lack of education.
The study has concluded that T.M.A lacks the capacity in terms of personnel,
equipment and logistics to manage the sewerage system in the Tema Township.
Secondly, revenue does not march O&M cost.
The third conclusion the study has drawn is that T.M.A needs a yearly amount of
$361,214.90 to cover O & M cost.
The study further concludes that domestic sewage tariff is adequate and there is the need to adjust the industrial sewage tariff based on a further study to determine the willingness and ability to pay.
The final conclusion the study has drawn is that sewer users are not satisfied with the services provided by T.M.A.
The study recommends that T.M.A build capacity to improve upon its performance. The study further recommends that T.M.A improve upon its financial management, adjust the industrial tariff and carry out public education on the use of the sewer and the need to pay for sewer services. Further study should also be done to determine the willingness and ability of the industries to pay increased tariff.
Description
A thesis submitted to the College of Engineering in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science, 2004