Getting a foot on the sanitation ladder: Users’ satisfaction and willingness to pay for improved public toilets in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Rapid urban growth in most developing countries has led to an increase in unplanned, high-density settlements dependent on contributed to the changing role of public toilets for sanitation from being mostly meant for the transient population into a permanent sanitation options for many urban residents, especially those living in low-income areas, yet we know relatively little about users’ perceptions and concerns about such facilities. This paper therefore seeks to explore users’ satisfaction and willingness to pay for improved sanitation services in Accra. Using a questionnaire, data were gathered from 245 users of public toilets living in two low-income communities of Accra. 80.8% of users expressed overall dissatisfaction with the public toilets, the main areas of concern being: long queues and waiting times, unpleasant smells, and dirtiness, , concerns about security and lack of running water and soap. Meanwhile, the majority of the respondents said that they would be willing to pay higher fees for improved services. We therefore implore operators should take note of this and to explore the potential market for building and maintaining high- quality public toilet facilities as a means to ending open defecation and getting to the first step on the sanitation ladder