NCCE Social Auditing Spurs Rehabilitation of Tumu Market Sanitation Facility

Residents and market users in the Sissala East Municipality are beginning to see concrete benefits from the National Commission for Civic Education’s recent social auditing engagement, following the rehabilitation of a long-abandoned sanitation facility at the Tumu Market.

For years, the toilet and urinal block had remained unused because of choked waste and structural defects. Through the intervention of the Sissala East Municipal Assembly, the facility has now been emptied, renovated, and restored to public use at a cost of GH¢50,000.

Financing for the rehabilitation came from the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds. The project was one of the key developmental concerns identified during the NCCE’s social auditing engagement and was subsequently selected for monitoring by the Social Audit Committee.

Before the renovation, market users faced serious sanitation challenges, including limited access to decent toilet facilities. The situation contributed to overcrowding at existing facilities and raised concerns about open defecation, poor hygiene, and the possible spread of sanitation-related diseases, especially on busy market days.

With the facility now back in operation, traders, buyers, and visitors at the Tumu Market are expected to benefit from improved hygiene, convenience, and dignity. The restored amenities will also help reduce pressure on other facilities and provide a safer sanitation option for both men and women.

Beyond the health and social benefits, the rehabilitated facility is expected to support revenue mobilisation for the Municipal Assembly. User fees from the facility, particularly on active market days, are expected to contribute to the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds and support further development initiatives.

This outcome demonstrates the practical value of social auditing in local governance. By giving citizens the opportunity to identify priority needs, engage duty bearers, and monitor development interventions, the process helps make public service delivery more responsive and accountable.

Members of the Social Audit Committee have indicated that monitoring of other developmental concerns raised during the forum will continue. Their continued oversight is expected to help ensure that community needs remain on the agenda of local authorities.

Ultimately, the rehabilitation of the Tumu Market sanitation facility shows that citizen participation can lead to visible improvements in community life. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration among the NCCE, local authorities, community members, and oversight structures in promoting transparent, accountable, and people-centred development.