Sustainable Water Sanitation and Hygiene Action in Nepal

On April 25 2015 a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal and was followed by a series of large aftershocks. The earthquakes resulted in over 8 700 deaths and 22 000 injuries 2.8 million displaced and 3.5 million in need of food assistance. In response to the earthquake Canada established the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund that committed the Government of Canada to matching eligible private donations to Canadian organizations. While the Government of Nepal and many agencies addressed immediate needs one year later there are still critical water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) gaps. Through the provision of WASH services this project funded by the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund aims to improve the quality of life of the earthquake-affected communities particularly the most vulnerable populations in the Dhading and Sindhupalchowk districts. The objectives of the initiative are to increase access to potable water increase use of improved sanitation services and improve the adoption of hygiene practices. Project activities include: (1) providing increased and more equal access to safe and sustainable drinking water and improved sanitation services in communities and institutions; (2) enhancing the capacity of water user committees to construct operate and maintain drinking water systems; (3) helping district-level stakeholders respond more effectively and appropriately to the different potable water supply sanitation and hygiene needs of various target groups; (4) building the capacity of communities schools and health posts to maintain total sanitation; (5) providing increased and more equal access to improved hygiene facilities to individuals and institutions; and (6) improving local knowledge and attitudes about safe hygiene.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased consumption of potable water by 27 781 individuals especially women men girls boys elderly persons persons with disabilities and members of the Dalit caste (previously known as Untouchables) in targeted Village Development Communities of Dhading and Sindhupalchowk districts both located in the central region of Nepal; (2) increased use of improved sanitation services by 27 821 individuals especially by women men girls boys elderly persons persons with disabilities and members of the Dalit caste in targeted areas; and (3) improved level of hygiene practices among all household members in targeted areas.