ENPHO's Contribution on National Sanitation Target

Sanitation service is fundamental to improving public health and meeting national poverty reduction objectives. According to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (2008)[1], around 80% of all diseases may be attributed to water and sanitation related causes and account for around 13,000 child mortality each year from diarrheal cases. With 57% of people in Nepal having no access to a toilet[2], huge efforts need to be placed to reach the target of sanitation for all by 2017.

ENPHO, through its integrated water and sanitation (WASH) programs, is cooperating with municipalities, local urban communities and VDCs to meet the national target on sanitation. The ongoing projects like SWASHTHA, Su-SWASTHA, WASH-J, RWSS and various other sustainable sanitation projects have been contributing to improve health and well-being of the communities by promoting low cost toilet. SWASHTHA project alone has targeted to promote universal sanitation in more than 1500 households.

Planning, construction of toilets, declaration of ODF campaigning, and behavioral change are strictly followed in all the WASH related programs. One of the success stories on promoting Sulav toilet with only NRs. 3000 subsidy to poor communities has been presented at Thimura Chitwan. Mr. Nanda Lal BK (58) shares his experience before and after constructing the toilet.

Nandalal said, "We used to get drenched during monsoon while going to toilet and it was more difficult in the night. We were also scares of the snakes".With the support from SWASHTHA project, Nandalal and his family members constructed their own toilet with the use of local materials like bamboo, straw, sand, stone and aggregate. The project provided him with technical assistance, four rings, a cover and fitting material. With gratitude in his face, Nandalal said, "We do not have to worry about rain and snake anymore. This has made our life much easier especially for the women and children. This has provided me with moral support and I can proudly advocate the use and benefit of toilets in my own community".

ENPHO is proud to assist on declaring ODF zones in two VDCs (Saradanagar and Pattihani) and four communities (Surajpur, Kothiya, Dipendranagar of Gularia municipality and Sitapur of Tikapur municipality). ENPHO is planning to increase its pace on constructing toilets at its project areas such as Bharatpur, Butwal, Gularia, Tikapur, Surkhet, Jhaukhel and Dhulikhel municipalities.

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[1] Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (2008) National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Policy. Government of Nepal.

[2] National Steering Committee for National Sanitation Action (2010) Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan. Government of Nepal