Making School WaSH Sustainable: From Facilities to Ownership

Improving school infrastructure is an important part of strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), but the long-term functionality of these facilities depends on regular usage, maintenance, monitoring and ownership. Without these elements, infrastructure improvements may not deliver sustained benefits over time.

The WaSH project implemented across five Government schools in Delhi and Gurgaon adopted a structured and outcome-oriented approach that extended beyond infrastructure development. The project included baseline assessment, school selection, approvals and coordination, stakeholder engagement, procurement and installation, behaviour change communication, quality assurance and final handover.

The blog will examine the project's emphasis on sustainability and institutional ownership. Before implementation, a comprehensive baseline assessment was conducted to understand the existing status of sanitation facilities, water availability, handwashing infrastructure, drainage systems and hygiene conditions. Consultations with school principals, teachers and support staff helped identify operational challenges and priority needs. These findings were then used to design targeted interventions for the selected schools.

The project also actively involved school management, teachers, students and community representatives in discussions around hygiene, facility maintenance and shared responsibility. A School Hygiene Committee was encouraged within each school to support routine cleanliness, maintenance and monitoring of WaSH facilities.

The article will further highlight practical measures incorporated to support long-term use of the upgraded infrastructure. These included the use of high-quality and durable materials, Annual Maintenance Contracts for RO systems, orientation for school staff and students on facility care, hygiene practices and water conservation, and the development of clear roles and responsibilities within the school ecosystem.

Behaviour change was another important component of the intervention. Murals, wall paintings, IEC materials and hygiene messaging were placed in locations such as washrooms, corridors and handwashing stations. Student engagement sessions were also conducted to reinforce hand hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness practices.

The blog will therefore explore the central idea that sustainable WaSH interventions require more than physical infrastructure. They require participation, accountability, maintenance and a sense of ownership among the people who use and manage the facilities. The project demonstrates how these components can be brought together within a school setting to support the long-term functionality and responsible use of WaSH infrastructure.