The Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP) has reached a significant milestone with the official launch of the WASH in Schools (WinS) Project yesterday. The event marked the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools across Honiara.
The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Solomon Water, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), and Plan International. Under this agreement, each of the 11 participating schools will sign their own MOUs before the design and implementation of WASH infrastructure begin.
Strengthening WASH in Schools
The WinS Project, funded by ADB, World Bank, and the European Union under the UWSSSP, is a key initiative under Output 3: โEnhanced awareness of hygiene and water issues and sustained improved hygiene behavior.โ The project aims to provide school students with access to clean drinking water, improved sanitation, and sustainable hygiene practices.
During the projectโs inception meeting, schools were introduced to the signed MOU and provided with details on their roles in the project. Key topics covered included:
โข The objectives and approach of the WinS project
โข Findings from WASH assessments in target schools
โข The national structure for WASH in Schools
โข An overview of both software (hygiene awareness) and hardware (infrastructure) components
Next Steps
Following todayโs launch, each of the 11 schools will formally sign an MOU outlining their commitments. Once agreements are in place, Plan International will work with Live & Learn and local contractors to begin designing and implementing WASH improvements.
The UWSSSP WASH in Schools Project underscores Solomon Waterโs commitment to โSafe water for a healthy nationโ, ensuring that students have access to clean and sustainable WASH facilities for a healthier learning environment.
More updates on this project will be provided as is progresses.
End//
-Solomon Water
