Madhesh Province
IMPROVEMENT OF WASH-SERVICES

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #6 prioritizes Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) through its targets 6.1 and 6.2: visualizing universal, sustainable, and equitable access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. SDG #3.8 pictures universal health access to safe, quality and affordable essential WASH services in healthcare facilities. Additionally, SDG #4.a.1 encourages WASH in the school sector through the construction and upgrading of educational facilities.

Despite progress in recent years, Madhesh Province has not reached these targets yet. For instance, 31 % of healthcare facilities there lack functioning toilet facilities for patients, 60 % do not have soap available, and 48 % do not safely dispose of sharp waste. Only 55 % of the local schools have toilets with water, and 45 % lack separate facilities for girls. On the household level, only 24 % of the population has access to safely managed drinking water facilities, 90 % still uses water contaminated with E. coli bacteria, and 16 % still reverts to open defecation.

Inadequate WASH services and behavior contribute significantly to the spread of waterborne diseases, which remain a major global public health concern. To address these problems, this program therefore focuses on healthcare facilities, schools, and communities. By adopting a community-centric approach, we plan to engage local stakeholders and promote their active participation. Communities are to take ownership of their WASH infrastructure, ensuring its long-term sustainability and effectiveness. Other important components are climate-resilience to promote disaster preparedness, gender-equality and inclusivity.

Chay Ya will assess the situation on the ground and then provide technical designs for improved, inclusive and climate-resilient WASH infrastructure (incl. safe waste management), then supervise and assist with the construction of new facilities wherever necessary. Additionally, our managers will consult and coordinate efforts between all stakeholders such as the provincial government, municipalities, school management committees, health care facilities etc. Most importantly, local stakeholders (such as teachers, healthcare staff, community leaders, mothers, people with disability, child clubs…) are to be trained to be able to maintain the facilities but also to raise awareness for “right” WASH behavior.

Local governments have committed to contribute 20 – 30 % of the costs.