ASSEMENT OF MAINTANANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL BUILDINGSIN METTU

This study evaluates maintenance management practices in public buildings, focusing on a case study of Mettu’s public hospital. Maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of buildings. The research utilized physical observation, questionnaires, interviews, and a literature review to collect data. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants, and a sample size of 50 respondents, including hospital staff and maintenance personnel, was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that the hospital buildings are in poor condition due to reliance on corrective maintenance instead of preventive practices. Common issues include damaged roofs, floors, ceilings, defective plumbing and drainage systems, dilapidated ceilings, and electrical systems. Key challenges include lack of preventive maintenance, aging, misuse, poor maintenance culture, inadequate funding, and limited training. The study recommends implementing planned maintenance programs, increasing preventive maintenance, securing adequate funding, addressing defective plumbing and drainage systems, repairing dilapidated ceilings, and conducting regular building assessments to ensure effective management.