(1) The object of the Agency is to facilitate the provision of safe water and related sanitation services to rural communities and small towns.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) the Agency shall perform the following functions

(a) provide support to District Assemblies to-

(i) promote the sustainability of safe water supply and related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns; and

(ii) enable the Assemblies encourage the active involvement of the communities, especially women, in the design, planning, construction and community management of projects related to safe water supply and related sanitation services;

(b) formulate strategies for the effective mobilization of resources for the of safe water development and related sanitation programmes in rural communities and small towns;

(c) encourage private sector participation in the provision of safe water supply and related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns;

(d) provide District Assemblies with technical assistance in the planning and of water development and sanitation projects in the districts;

(e) assist and co-ordinate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged

(i)in the development of rural community and small town water supply;

(ii) the provision of sanitation facilities and hygiene education in the country;

(f) initiate and pursue in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government, Environment, Health and Education, formal and non-formal education programmes for the creation of public awareness in rural communities and small towns of water related health hazards;

(g) prescribe standards and guidelines for safe water supply and provision of related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns and support the District Assemblies to ensure compliance by the suppliers of the services;

(h) charge reasonable fees for the services provided;

(i) collaborate with such international agencies as the Agency considers necessary for the purposes of this Act; and

(j) perform any other functions assigned to it under this Act.

(3) The Agency shall in the performance of its functions under this Act, act in conjunction with collaborate with and co-operate with the Water Resources Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation and other public and private bodies whose activities relate to the provision of safe water and related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3), the Agency shall in the discharge of its functions under this Act co-operate with all government departments, public and private institutions and any other agencies.