Impact of solar powered mini water systems on WASH service delivery among schools in Pader district, Uganda

Introduction: In Pader district, the pupil-to-stance ratio was 76:1 in 2019, far higher than the national target of 40:1 and hand washing coverage was 21%. AMREF Health Africa end-line implemented a Solar for inclusive WASH services project between February 2021 and November 2023. Therefore, this study aimed to compare WASH service delivery indicators at the baseline and endline of implementing the Solar for Inclusive WASH services project. The findings of this study have implications on government policy and WASH interventions in institutions. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design among 371 pupils in 6 target schools in Puranga and Tenam sub-counties, Pader district. The study used simple random sampling method when selecting participants in classes and systematic sampling was used in allocation of sample sizes for each school Quantitative data was collected using electronic structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were derived from the data collected. Research Approval was obtained from Mildmay Uganda Research Ethics Committee (MUREC) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). Data collection for both the baseline and endline evaluation was conducted in the 6 similar target schools where project interventions were conducted. Results: At the end-line, the round-trip distance from the classroom to the point of water collection was reduced to less than 200 m and the turnaround time spent was reduced to less than 5 min for the majority of respondents. With the analysis of Paired sample T-test, the p-value (Sig.) for each of the two variables (turnaround time and distance travelled) of 0.000 is less than 0.05 that indicating that the implementation of the solar-powered mini water systems has significantly reduced the turnaround time spent and distance travelled by respondents in search of safe and drinking water while at school. There was a marked improvement in hand washing after defecation from 16.4% at baseline to 85.7% at end-line. Experiences of diarrhoea were reduced by 11.5% and none of the girls missed school due to menstruation at endline. The presence of water in school compound has reduced the practice of the pupils skipping classes during break off (break and lunch) due to search of water. The practice of children carrying water to school for use like drinking is no longer existent. The study reports that there has been a reduction in cases reported for girls undergoing menstruation missing class and resorting to stay at home. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in access to water, hygiene and sanitation indicators in the schools following the implementation of the Solar for inclusive WASH services project.