Namobuddha Municipality–11, Makhlo Dandakateri has been officially declared a Water Safe Community. The declaration was made after all 35 households in the community gained access to clean and safe drinking water through the coordination of Namobuddha Municipality, with support from UNICEF Nepal and facilitation by Civic Forum as the implementing partner.

The announcement was made in a formal ceremony organized by Namobuddha Municipality after the community successfully met the minimum indicators outlined in Schedule–3 of the “Water Safe Community Guideline 2082 (2025)”, issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Water Supply, and the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management on 15 Shrawan 2082 (August 2025).

Following the issuance of the national guideline, Makhlo Dandakateri has become Nepal’s first, Kavrepalanchok District’s third, and Namobuddha Municipality’s first Water Safe Community.

The program was chaired by Mayor Kunsang Lama of Namobuddha Municipality and graced by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban as the distinguished guest. Other participants included Chief Administrative Officer Krishna Giri; UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia Sanjay Wijesekera; UNICEF Nepal Deputy Representative Ji Hyun Rha; UNICEF WASH Chief Muhammad Irfan Saeed Alrai; WASH Specialist Siddhi Shrestha; Chief of Water Supply and Sanitation Division No. 3, Srishti Khwalapala; Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 11 Krishna Bahadur Tamang; Civic Forum’s CEO Basant Kunwar; members of the Makhlo Dandakateri Water Supply and Sanitation Users’ Committee; and local residents.

Mayor Lama stated that maintaining the quality and sustainability of the drinking water system now rests on the shoulders of the local community. He urged residents to prioritize sanitation and to contact the ward or municipal office in case of any issues in the future. Expressing gratitude, he also said that the municipality will never forget UNICEF and Civic Forum’s contribution and partnership. He added that although last October’s floods and landslides had disrupted the municipality’s “One House, One Tap” campaign, efforts to rebuild and restore the water supply have been ongoing with strong collaboration. He emphasized that Namobuddha Municipality continues to prioritize water, health, and education, and that the preservation and continuation of the infrastructure built with UNICEF’s support is now the community’s shared responsibility.

Special guest Ted Chaiban congratulated the local community for successfully completing the Water Safe Community initiative. He remarked that when a community works together with unity and strength, more support naturally follows. He encouraged the user committee to manage the maintenance fund properly to sustain water quality and system functionality, emphasizing that community ownership is key to sustainability.

Srishti Khwalapala, Chief of Division No. 3, stated that access to safe drinking water contributes significantly to preventing water-borne diseases. She noted that over 300 water schemes in Kavre District were damaged by last year’s floods and landslides; of these, 111 have been repaired and resumed operation, while others remain under reconstruction. She also appealed to UNICEF for continued support in rehabilitating the remaining schemes.

Chief Administrative Officer Krishna Giri mentioned that the municipality, as a local government established to address local crises, has prioritized education, health, and drinking water. He highlighted that the municipality is working actively to achieve One House, One Tap and sustainable water supply systems.

Ward Chairperson Krishna Bahadur Tamang expressed gratitude for the cooperation and partnership that helped restore water infrastructure damaged by the disaster, and he expressed hope for further collaboration in the future.

Civic Forum CEO Basant Kunwar shared that, in addition to Namobuddha–11 Makhlo Dandakateri, similar work is also ongoing in Nepane Phyangkhola and Devikhola WSS of Panauti Municipality–11, Balthali and Bolakhegaun WSS Panauti-2 BolakheGaun, and efforts are underway to ensure Water Safe Community status in these schemes as well.

Local residents shared that with the installation of household tap connections, the time they previously spent fetching water for hours has been saved. They expressed happiness that safe drinking water has improved their health and quality of life.

Resident Bhakta Bahadur Tamang recalled that before the programme, the 35 households had to share a single water source, spending about half an hour daily to fetch water after long queues at the community taps. Now, that water is available at home, our hardships are finally over,” he said.

During the event, participants also observed the water source, storage tanks, toilets, and tap stands. The project team handed over the official Water Safe Community Certificate to the Ward Office. The municipality presented a Letter of Appreciation to UNICEF and a Certificate of Commendation to Civic Forum for their contributions.

The One House, One Tap project in Namobuddha Municipality–11 was completed with financial support from UNICEF and implementation by Civic Forum. The programme has benefited 198 people from 35 households. The total cost of the programme was NPR 1,220,672, including NPR 1,022,202 in financial support from UNICEF and Civic Forum and NPR 198,470 contributed through local labor. The Makhlo Dandakateri Water Supply and Sanitation Users’ Committee has also established a maintenance fund of NPR 50,000. The programme has directly benefited the residents of Masamdanda, Makhlo Bhanjyang, Kakdong, and Gauredanda.