Operation and Maintenance (O & M) of Water and sanitation infrastructure and equipment refers to the logistics, finance, engineering, informational, human resources, leadership functions, and duties associated with daily operations. The ultimate goal is to enhance continuity and reliability of services throughout the expected lifespan of the infrastructure and equipment. Water and sanitation infrastructure is capital intensive but a glaring gap exists between capacity building efforts for O & M against cost of capital investments and that has put a big dent on organizational finances. Malfunctioning water and sanitation Infrastructure negatively affects public health and as such, appropriate O & M programs and systems should be in place to safeguard the consumers’ health.

The demand to invest in robust O & M programs for an organization to realize profits and keep afloat is long overdue. Being knowledgeable and skilled in O & M for all levels within an organization ensures improved efficiency of systems and leads to achievement of the best possible service from the system including a guaranteed improvement in revenue inflows. IWSD will be running a short course on O & M focusing on water and sanitation infrastructure and equipment with an emphasis on system continuity in order to provide maximum service for continued consumer satisfaction.

The course aims at contributing to the improved sustainable management of organizational infrastructure which ensures availability of safe drinking water and sanitation management systems for the consumers.