"Pure Joy: Pidari Village Celebrates New Clean Water Access with Inauguration of Overhead Tank"An overhead tank with a depth of 168 meters and a...
Published on by Rewati Dhakal, Co-founder at Nepal Center for Philanthropy and Development
An overhead tank with a depth of 168 meters and a capacity of 200 cubic meters has been constructed through the Pidari Drinking Water Project to distribute drinking water in Pidari village of Sarlahi District in Nepal. Minister for Energy, Irrigation, and Drinking Water, Bechi Lungeli, formally inaugurated the project today.
According to Shivanath Sah, chairperson of the Drinking Water Users' Committee, the project was completed at a total cost of NRS 4,34,52,273 (approximately USD 3,26,715). This project was made possible through substantial support from the provincial government, Oxfam, Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal, and contributions from the local community. He said that the water supply project, which started in 2018 AD, has just been completed and the distribution of drinking water to households has begun. Bharat Karki, former president of Bagmati Welfare Society, mentioned that the project was handed over to the local consumer committee on Saturday. Modern equipment has also been installed to ensure the water is clean and safe for consumption.
The enhancement in access to safe drinking water has a significant impact on the local population, especially the poor women of Pidari village. In the underprivileged communities of Sarlahi District, where access to clean water has been a persistent challenge, the new infrastructure alleviates many of the daily struggles faced by these women. With clean water now available at their homes, these women can allocate their time to more productive activities, such as education and income-generating work, thereby improving their overall quality of life. Additionally, the health benefits of having access to safe drinking water cannot be forgotten, as it reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases and associated medical costs, thereby contributing to a healthier community.
Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal has been particularly effective in mobilizing resources and creating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services through successful multi-stakeholder partnerships. Their collaboration with the Government of Nepal, development partners like Oxfam, and active public participation has been pivotal in the success of this project. The society's strategic approach and resource management have ensured sustainable access to safe drinking water, significantly improving the living conditions in Pidari village and setting a model for future projects in the region.
The local community, including Constituent Assembly member Ram Chandra Chaudhary, Haripur Municipality Mayor Gopal Panjiyar, Deputy Mayor Nilam Devi Raya Yadav, former Municipality Mayor Jamiruddin Mansur, and CPN (Unified) representatives, expressed their satisfaction and joy at the inauguration ceremony, highlighting the project's transformative impact on their daily lives.
More information related to the activities of Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal can be found at (https://bwsn.org.np).