Operation and Maintenance Financing for School WASH Facilities in South Africa

This is a case study on the financing for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of school WASH facilities in South Africa, based on a review of documents, key informant interviews and visits to 10 government schools in Free State province.

South Africa implements some good practices with respect to ensuring an enabling resource environment for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of WASH facilities in schools.There is, however, a need to ensure that the policies and plans translate into improvements in school WASH operation and management. WASH facilities in visited schools had problems of cleanliness, functionality, and access to soap.