Assessing sustainability of WASH projects in public and private schools of Jalalabad City, Nangarhar, Afghanistan

This study examined the sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects in six schools in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, using interviews, surveys, and observations. The study applied a recently developed framework called the “sustainability assessment framework and indicators in water sanitation and hygiene system.” The study found that community engagement, availability of facilities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, behavior changes, financial sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation were critical factors in promoting the sustainability of WASH projects in schools. One school had a 70.12% total score of sustainability and had good and sustainable water supply facilities, while five schools had partially sustainable and acceptable conditions, which had 68.79%, 63.24%, 61.25%, 59.33%, and 57.81% total scores of sustainability. In assessing the sustainability of sanitation facilities, two schools had 62.03% and 57.16% sustainability scores and were in good and partially sustainable condition, three schools had 48.92%, 48.64%, and 48.42% sustainability scores and were in partially sustainable and acceptable conditions that needed improvement, and one school had 39.88% sustainability score and was in bad and unsustainable condition. The study recommends increasing investment in WASH facilities, implementing sustainable maintenance practices, increasing community engagement, developing targeted interventions, and regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of WASH facilities in schools.