A study conducted in Bulawayo schools to assess the impact of water shortages on learning institutions has revealed that girls are significantly affected, especially concerning menstrual hygiene.
The study’s findings underscore the dire situation faced by learners in accessing adequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services due to the prevailing water shortages.
Dr Keith Phiri, a lecturer at Lupane State University (LSU) and the lead researcher, presented these findings during a Water Indaba hosted by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) on Thursday.
Dr Phiri highlighted numerous challenges arising from the lack of water in schools, including a decline in garden production, disruptions in class schedules, increased absenteeism among learners, and poor hygiene practices, among others.
He said that girls are disproportionately affected, particularly regarding menstrual hygiene, when schools lack sufficient water.
“While conducting the study, respondents noted a decline in hygiene standards, with school ablution facilities being described as substandard on average. Some schools have resorted to locking or restricting access to certain toilets. The situation is particularly dire for female learners, as their sanitation and hygiene standards are further compromised due to inadequate washing facilities,” Dr Phiri explained.
“Instances where learners soil themselves result in embarrassment as they are sent home for clean-up. Additionally, respondents mentioned dirty classrooms due to water shortages for mopping floors, potentially leading to increased airborne diseases due to dusty environments.”
Dr Phiri further revealed that while most schools have drilled boreholes to mitigate water challenges, some learners refuse to drink borehole water, citing taste issues.
“Seventy-five percent of respondents reported stress among learners as a psychological impact of water supply challenges. Fear of drinking borehole water, attributed to previous cases of diarrhoea, has led to increased cases of headaches among learners.”
“Key informant interviews indicated an observed increase in headaches among learners (84% of schools), attributed to dehydration from reluctance to drink borehole water. Some learners arrive late to school due to water search or queuing, disrupting lessons and leading to diminished concentration,” he added.
“Furthermore, learners from child-headed homes bear a heavier burden of fetching water, often resulting in fatigue and diminished concentration. Even when municipal supplies are restored, late-night water collection poses challenges for learners, impacting their personal hygiene and academic performance.”
