The Return of Happiness with a New Water Supply Scheme

The biggest challenge for the people of Dhaule Piyunkharka of Melamchi municipality ward no-11 was not having proper access to safe and clean drinking water. And this problem has existed for years. The only source of water for the residents was from open and unmanaged water sources. When asked about the previous condition of drinking water in the area, Thulikanchi B.K., who is also one of the members of the water users and sanitation committee (WSUC) for the same water supply scheme, shares her suffering. There was an absence of a well-constructed intake for the collection of water from the source. The community people had dug a small and temporary pond-like structure for the collection of water directly from the source. The water, thus collected, was not safe and clean to drink but they had no other options available. The people started using water after straining it through cotton cloth. People live amid 'water' uncertainties. There was neither a fixed time for water distribution nor a fixed quantity of water that the people would receive in a day or so. Water distribution pipelines were not properly buried; they almost protruded. The water supply pipes were directed toward individual households, based on personal needs and whims. This added fuel to the fire. There was a rise in disputes and quarrels among community people. 

After receiving a request for the construction of DWSS in their area, SEBAC-Nepal in collaboration with the municipality decided to provide a water facility. This was achieved after the construction of a new drinking water supply scheme in their area which they have named “Dhaule-Piiyunkhaka DWSS)”. Moreover, the measures for the sustainability of the scheme were ensured by an insurance facility, the establishment of an operation and management fund, and training skills provided to the members. 

“SEBAC-Nepal helped us build a new drinking water supply scheme for our community which is much better than what we previously had. The newly constructed intake can store more water and it is easier to clean,” Thulikanchhi said.  She is a water user of this scheme. She added, “Access to water had always been a source of tension and conflict. Because of the unmanaged water supply system, we had to waste our time by quarreling with our neighboring households. This practice has led to serious disputes in the community. Now that we have water structures and permanent intake and taps at the household level, there is a sense of peace. The scheme has fixed the timing and quantity of water distribution. All the households are getting their equal share of water. This has made our life easier and saved a lot of time. I am very glad that SEBAC-Nepal helped us solve our biggest problem. They not only helped us build a new tank but also ensured that the water we drank was safe. They conducted water quality tests frequently.” Following the completion of the DWSS construction, the community people now have enough water not only for drinking purposes but also for the maintenance of hygiene and sanitation. Clean toilets, proper hand washing stations, dish drying stations, clean kitchens, and household yard support in the areas covered by the water scheme have been made possible through the ASHA project.

 

"WE ARE VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH SEBAC-NEPAL FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO CONSTRUCT A WATER SUPPLY SCHEME JOINTLY WITH MELAMCHI MUNICIPALITY OFFICE. DHAULE IS REMOTELY PLACED AND A BACKWARD IN DEVELOPMENT. THE MAIN SOURCES OF INCOME OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS AREA ARE AGRICULTURE AND REMITTANCE. DALIT AND JANAJATI COMMUNITIES ALSO RESIDE IN THIS AREA. THIS DWSS WILL SUPPORT CHILDREN AND WOMEN THE MOST. WE ARE EXCITED TO GET DRINKING WATER AT OUR DOORSTEP.  WE WILL UTILIZE THE WATER FOR HEALTHY LIVING AND ALSO FOR KITCHEN GARDENING." 
BINDA B.K
TREASURER 
DHAULE PIUKHARKA DWSS