Empowering Healthy Communities: Access to Pure Drinking Water

The small village of Baidhnathtol in Ishworpur Municipality ward no.1 was plagued by a lack of pure drinking water. The people, particularly those from the Dalit, Janjati and Madheshi ethnic groups, were suffering due to the poor quality of water from a hand pump installed by the Municipality long ago. Raghubar Singh, a ward member, explained the various problems faced by the community due to the lack of pure drinking water, including yellowing of food and clothes, teeth discoloration, and various health issues.

 

Fortunately, the Building Resilient Community (BRC) project, funded by Islamic Relief USA and implemented by Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal, provided a solution. A handpump was installed up to a depth of 205 feet, costing Rs.81,346, which directly benefitted 5 households with a total population of 30. The entire village, with a population of approximately 160, indirectly benefitted from the hand pump as they came to fetch water for drinking purposes.

 

The water from the hand pump is of high quality, with no smell or changes even after being stored for 24 hours. The ongoing construction of a soak pit was also a cause for joy as it would provide good sanitation and prevent drainage problems. Singh expressed his gratitude to the implementing agencies for their support in providing pure drinking water and a good sanitation environment to the community.