Nayagaun Village, located 30 km away from the main road in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality Ward No. 7, had been facing water scarcity and unsafe drinking water issues for its 17 underprivileged and marginalized Gurung communities. In response to the villagers’ request for help, RRN and Welthungerhilfe intervened with the WASH Project in 2021/22. The project focused on establishing a reliable water supply system, including an intake, collection chamber, reservoir tank, and 17 tap stands. Each household received water tap stands and a water metering system. The community was also trained in water supply system operation and management. Additionally, hygiene sessions and household monitoring were conducted, resulting in the successful implementation of household toilets, hand washing stations, dish drying racks, household water filters, and proper waste management for sustainable development.
The culmination of the combined efforts by the project, local government, and the community resulted in Nayagaun being officially declared as “towards total sanitation and water-safe communities” on 25th August 2022. This significant milestone was celebrated in the presence of esteemed officials, including Ichhakamana’s Chairperson Mr. Dan Bhadur Gurung, Vice-Chairperson Ms. Maya Silwal, and ward chairperson, along with representatives from RRN, Welthungerhilfe, and other stakeholders.
Thanks to the initiative, every household in Nayagaun now boasts water-sealed toilets, metered water connections in their yards, and proper facilities for utensil washing and drying. Beyond the physical infrastructures, the community has wholeheartedly adopted personal and environmental sanitation practices, such as regular handwashing at critical times, diligent street sweeping, segregating decomposable and non-decomposable wastes, and ensuring their proper management. This case study exemplifies the tangible impact of collaborative efforts in driving positive change and achieving comprehensive sanitation and water safety goals in Nayagaun Village.