On 26^th October, 2024 – UNICEF Nepal’s WASH Officer, Mr. Surendra Babu Dhakal, conducted a field observation visit to inspect water supply schemes damaged by the heavy rainfall that occurred in Nepal from September 26 to 28, 2024 (Ashwin 10–12, 2081 BS). The visit included Nepane Water Supply Scheme in Panauti Municipality Ward No. 11, Dapcha Water Supply Scheme in Namobuddha Municipality Ward No. 8, and the Shikhar Ambote Water Supply Scheme in Roshi Rural Municipality Ward No. 3.

These water supply schemes are set to be repaired and restored under the Humanitarian WASH Interventions in Kavrepalanchok District, Bagmati Province program, with financial support from UNICEF Nepal and implementation from Civic Forum, UNICEF’s implementing partner for Kavrepalanchok District, and in agreement with Panauti, Namobuddha, and Roshi municipalities. In coordination with the respective ward offices and active participation of the locals, both minor and major repairs to the water supply systems will be undertaken in the near future. These efforts are aimed at restoring safe drinking water facilities for households and communities affected by the floods and landslides.

During the visit, Mr. Dhakal met with several key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Panauti Municipality, Mr. Ram Sharan Bhandari; Ward No. 11 Chairperson, Mr. Bipendra Lama Tamang; Mayor of Namobuddha Municipality, Mr. Kunsang Lama; Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Sheshkant Poudel; Senior Accounting Officer, Mr. Bidur Sharma Nepal; Engineer, Mr. Ujjwal Aryal; and Ward No. 3 Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality, Mr. Dhanjit Lama.

The discussions focused on the damages to water supply schemes caused by the recent heavy rainfall, plans for future repairs and improvements, progress in preparing and implementing WASH plans at the municipal level, the status of N-WASH updates within the municipalities, and potential areas of support that UNICEF Nepal could provide to the municipalities in the WASH sector moving forward.