Vietnam’s Ca Mau praised for investing nearly $7mn to improve school restrooms

This endeavor underscores a significant commitment to enhancing sanitation and hygiene facilities in educational institutions across the region, aiming to create healthier environments for students and promote better learning conditions.

The provincial Department of Education and Training said 839 school toilets are in need of replacement or repair, with 188 slated for new construction and 651 for refurbishment. 

Many facilities have deteriorated or become overloaded following the consolidation of smaller campuses in recent years.

The investment, funded by the state budget and other legal sources, is part of a broader campaign to ensure safe and sanitary conditions in schools. 

Under the plan, each new toilet facility is expected to cost about VND350 million ($13,288), while upgrades will average VND175 million ($6,644) per unit.

"Many toilets are in poor condition, and students are reluctant to use them," said a provincial education official. 

"The aim is to complete the work by 2027 so that all schools meet national hygiene standards."

Parents and school officials welcomed the move, saying inadequate restrooms had long affected student well-being. 

At Tan Thuan Middle School, where construction of a new restroom block has been completed, staff say wait times and overcrowding have been resolved, and maintenance is now carried out daily.

"A clean toilet may seem like a small thing, but for students, it makes a big difference," said a student's parent.

Local officials emphasized the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure long-term use. 

At other schools where toilets remain in poor condition, students reported avoiding them altogether, with some choosing to wait until returning home.

The education department said it is working with local authorities to fast-track implementation.