Demystifying the challenges of water, sanitation and hygiene in rural high schools

Abstract

Basic sanitation is an essential human need to preserve dignity as well as health. However, many South African schools confront challenges in providing a sufficient level of sanitation. This has been exacerbated by the global Covid-19 pandemic. This study employed the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model to examine the challenges affecting efficient and effective sanitation supply chain operations in disadvantaged rural high schools. It also assessed the extent to which high schools engage in planning, sourcing and operations processes for integrated supply chain sanitation, hygiene and service delivery. An exploratory design was adopted and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data collected from 21 participants in high schools in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, and two from the Department of Basic Education in North West Province. The results showed that the majority of schools, especially those in rural areas, confront supply chain basic health sanitation challenges such as a shortage of water and sanitary pads as well as vandalism, with the lack of financial resources identified as a significant challenge. Based on the findings, the study recommends supply chain integration, improved communication with suppliers and the adoption of the SCOR model to enhance the provision of basic sanitation and water