Operation and maintenance strategies for resource-oriented sanitation systems in Nakuru, Kenya

Maximum benefits of improved sanitation will be achieved when sanitation facilities operate continuously and to full capacity in conformity with acceptable standards of quantity and quality. However, there is a demonstrated link between long term sustainability of a sanitation system and the effective operation and maintenance (O&M) of the system. Diagnosis of O&M services in developing countries show dysfunctions leading to failure. Problems with O&M are recognized as a key constraint to sustainability. Accordingly, operation and maintenance tasks must be carried out effectively and efficiently. To achieve this, O&M of sanitation services must be seen as a holistic system, whose components include collection, storage, transportation, treatment and utilization or disposal. Considerable study has been conducted on O&M of solid waste and urban services but very little information is available on the O &M requirements for resource oriented sanitation system (ROSA). This paper reports findings of studies whose specific objective were to develop strategies for sustainable O&M for ROSA systems in Nakuru, Kenya.