DLI 7 focuses on expanding access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities within public institutions, specifically schools and healthcare facilities (HCFs). This DLI incentivizes the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of WASH infrastructure to meet national technical standards, service level criteria, and minimum conditions, ensuring that institutions can provide safe, hygienic, and functional facilities for students, patients, staff, and the broader community. Disbursements are proportional to verified achievements, reflecting the quality and functionality of the infrastructure delivered.
All infrastructure supported under DLI 7 must adhere to rigorous requirements, including:
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Compliance with quality assurance procedures throughout the design, construction, and operational phases;
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Implementation of a verified Environmental & Social (E&S) screening and assessment mechanism; and
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Adoption of a resilient design process to ensure that facilities can withstand environmental challenges, including climate-induced hazards such as drought or flooding.
Eligible facilities include schools and HCFs that meet the following minimum standards:
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Water supply must come from an improved source, as defined by the JMP;
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Sanitation facilities must be improved according to JMP definitions;
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Handwashing facilities with water and soap must be available and accessible;
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Sanitation facilities must have separate compartments for males and females; and
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Facilities must be accessible to people living with disabilities.
Verification of achievements under DLI 7 is conducted by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA), who reviews data submitted by the State Program Implementation Unit (SPIU) and the FPIU. Verification includes both desk review of reports and physical inspection of all reported facilities to ensure compliance with technical standards and operational functionality. Only functioning facilities at the time of verification are eligible for disbursement.
By supporting WASH infrastructure in schools and healthcare facilities, DLI 7 ensures that children and patients have safe, hygienic environments, contributing to improved health, learning outcomes, and overall community well-being. This DLI also reinforces the broader sustainability goals of the Program by combining infrastructure delivery with standards for resilience, functionality, and inclusivity, ensuring long-term benefits for all users.