The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), National Assembly Member from Lamgong-Wangchang constituency, presented the Committee’s Review Report on the Performance Audit of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities and Services in government school under Thimphu Thromde to the Joint Sitting of Parliament today.

The performance audit, conducted by the Royal Audit Authority (RAA), examined the adequacy, functionality, accessibility, and management of WASH facilities and services in government schools under Thimphu Thromde. Recognizing the critical importance of WASH in ensuring a healthy and conducive learning environment, the PAC expanded its review to assess the overall status of WASH facilities and services across all government schools in the country.

The Committee observed that the deficiencies identified under Thimphu Thromde reflect nationwide challenges, including inadequate and unreliable water supply, poorly maintained and non functional sanitation and handwashing facilities, lack of hygiene supplies, outdated and non inclusive infrastructure, and weak operation and maintenance practices. The Committee further noted systemic issues such as insufficient budget allocation, limited technical capacity, inadequate monitoring, and inconsistent coordination with Local Governments, pointing to broader shortcomings in the planning and management of school WASH services.

The House adopted the ten recommendations of the Royal Audit Authority, which include strengthening planning and budgetary provisions, upgrading facilities to meet national standards and inclusiveness, improving water supply and quality, enhancing operation and maintenance, expanding WASH awareness programmes, and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. The Committee also made two additional recommendations. The House issued additional directives to ensure effective implementation of the recommendations. The Ministry of Education and Skills Development was instructed to consult the Royal Civil Service Commission on the requirement of cleaners based on student population and submit a review report during the Winter Session. On budgetary provisions for WASH facilities, the Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, was directed to explore appropriate measures, including outsourcing, and report to the House during the Winter Session. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport was tasked to lead a review of water quality testing and remediation works carried out by Thimphu Thromde and present its findings during the Winter Session. Further, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development was directed to lead and coordinate WASH training and awareness programmes for Local Governments, Thromdes, Dzongkhags, and Gewogs, and submit a review report during the Winter Session. The House also emphasised the need for a robust evaluation mechanism and instructed the Government to review the matter and report back during the Winter Session.

The House will continue deliberation on the Follow up on past resolutions and the Committee recommendations tomorrow.