CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2022 · Vol. 2022, Issue 1

Maintenance practices in public lavatories in tertiary institutions in Ghana

Mark Pim-Wusu, Bernard Martin Arthur-Aidoo and Mudasiru Bawa

Keywords: Maintenance, public lavatory, tertiary institutions, Ghana

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate public lavatories’ maintenance practices in Ghana’s tertiary institutions. This study gathered data from both primary and secondary sources. The probability sampling technique was used since it was the most valid choice for producing results, while 180 participants were sampled from the entire population using a sample size calculator. The study was limited to the Accra Technical University campus as a case study, and the staff and students were the target population. The key factors were the appropriate way of maintaining public lavatories. To not compromise its reputation, every tertiary institution must have a working lavatory for its staff, students, and visitors. The study revealed that the public lavatories at the university campus are not in good condition. Several sanitary appliances in the lavatories are unsafe, indicating ineffective maintenance practices. According to the survey’s findings, the problem of damaged toilet flush handles and unflushed excreta was widespread. The issue of the strong odour was one of the significant findings of this work. This work facilitates the maintenance officers and management in Ghana’s tertiary institutions and guides designers when specifying sanitary appliances for public lavatories. It is critical to improve lavatory upkeep to ensure students, the entire working staff, and visitors’ welfare on health and safety, comfort and happiness.