Lack of effective operation and maintenance (O&M) is a common obstacle to achieving sustainable school hygiene, sanitation, and water programs. To address this problem, an operation and maintenance system should be set up and consolidated during the implementation phase. The system should focus on the school's ability to ensure reliable and sustainable service delivery.

What are the key elements of O&M? The most important elements to ensuring that operation and maintenance is undertaken include:

The use of an Operation and Maintenance Plan. The basic principles of an O&M plan are:
It is developed and agreed upon before the facilities are completed.
It is a part of the (Project) Implementation Manual.
It clearly defines responsibilities and monitoring, and includes a detailed task schedule outlining as a minimum: (i) activities; (ii) their frequency; (iii) who is responsible; (iv) the materials and spare parts needed; (v) the tools and equipment needed; and (vi) who covers the costs.
It is non-discriminatory and protects the best interest of children at all times.
It is linked to other school improvement efforts.
Financing of O&M. A second common obstacle to achieving sustainable hygiene, sanitation, and water in schools facilities is an explicit financial policy that addresses how the cost of operation and maintenance will be financed. The costs of hygiene, sanitation and water in schools services need to be calculated and can then be included in the O&M budgets on an annual basis.
Training for operation and maintenance. Training and capacity-building should provide those who are responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities with the requisite skills for carrying out their tasks. Many different methodologies have been developed for the operation and maintenance of water supply, and sanitation facilities. These methods should be adapted to ensure that they can be used in a school context.
Who is in charge of O&M? The school and the school hygiene committee oversee O&M, with technical assistance as needed and in agreement with the rules of the Ministry of Education, and ensure that O&M training is provided as needed. They also monitor the budget to ensure that O&M costs are controlled.