Construction of Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) is a key component of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) Phase II, to cater to the sanitation needs of the floating population. However, operation and maintenance (O&M) of a CSC is the most important factor in ensuring their continued usage.
As a priority, CSCs are being built in areas with predominant SC/ST communities and in habitations of impoverished families and also in public spaces such as bazaars – to cater to the general public as well as the floating population and migrant workers. They can go a long way to sustain ODF (open defecation free) status of a village.
In this regard, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has issued an advisory to the Principal Secretaries and Mission Directors of all States and Union Territories, with recommendations for O&M of the CSCs which should include the following provisions:
- Electricity, running water in toilets/bathrooms (where applicable) and for handwashing
- Cleaning material viz. brush, toilet cleaning powder/solution, disinfectant, soap, waste bins, etc. for regular cleaning of the CSC
- Engagement of person(s)/SHG/agency for day to day maintenance
- Safety of the CSCs: locks, latches, lighting, ventilation, etc.
- Maintenance of structure (minor and major repairs, including the replacement of parts if needed
- Regular desludging of drains and tanks connected to the CSC
- CSCs should preferably have twin pit technology. In case a septic tank is used for a CSC, adequate arrangements for septage management should be ensured.
Even though the States have the flexibility to decide on the O&M model, one or a suitable mix of the following options may be explored, the DDWS communique added.
Contracting: The Gram Panchayat can contract out the entire O&M or specific O&M activities to an SHG/agency, except for the electricity and water charges, provision of cleaning material, and one-time maintenance/repair works, which the GP can continue to provide.
Leasing: The entire facility can be rented out to a private entity (individual/SHG/Agency) by the Gram Panchayat which is the owner. The private entity can take care of all the aspects of O&M and charge user fees to cover its operational costs. However, the user fees should be reasonably low to cover the sanitation needs of the rural community and should be fixed in consultation with community members.
Community Management: Day to day maintenance by user households on a rotation basis with the support of the GP for electricity and water charges, provision of cleaning material and one-time maintenance/repair works. Either each household can take the responsibility for O&M in turn on a monthly/weekly basis or the O&M cost can be divided among the community members using the facility.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A community-level federation/local industry/commercial entity/external agency may be roped in for regular O&M. Such partnerships can also be formalised at Block/District level to ensure revenue generation and economies of scale.
GPs could consider revenue generation for O&M of CSCs by setting up a small shop attached to the CSC, selling daily household items. In this case, the shopkeeper could be made responsible for the maintenance of the complex and be asked to pay monthly rentals to the GP. Alternatively, the outer walls of the CSC could be let out for advertisements or wall writing and the income generated could go to the GP.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 