Asset creation versus sustaining services: institutionalizing VLOM to deliver SDG-6.1 target in Nigeria

Despite investments in water supply infrastructure, functionality remains low owing to a variety of factors including poor Operation & Maintenance regime and low community ownership. To overcome these challenges, a robust Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM) approach was piloted. The approach is institutionalized within the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) by shifting agencies’ focus from mere asset creation towards sustained service delivery. The VLOM units established in the twelve RUWASSAs work with trained local area mechanics (LAMs), parts dealers and community caretakers towards ensuring 100% functionality of schemes. The LAMs charge communities for their services against agreed rates. This is linked to the Facility Tracking System resulting in 11% increase in functionality since inception of the pilot project. Once scaled up and sustained, this approach will optimize investments needed to achieve WASH SDG-6.1 target in Nigeria.