Water Project Nepal 2024/5

Village of  Gahateri

Rotary Area of Focus – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Provide equitable community access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene.

Project description

Gahateri, a rural village in the Tanahun district of central Nepal, has a population of approximately 105. They have a small tank (originally funded by Casterbridge) in the east of the village which supplies its water.

1. The supply from the spring to this tank has gradually diminished over the years leaving the village with an insufficient supply.
2. Much of the current infrastructure of pipework currently leaks, plus damage has occurred by recent road (dirt track!) construction.
3. The few shared taps in the village are extremely old and deteriorating in function.
4. Some villagers live above the current tank, resulting in a climb carrying water up to their house.

The project is to access a new spring to the west of the village, which is higher up, dramatically increasing the supply.

1. Build a new collection chamber at the spring where it emerges from the ground for a clean healthy water.
2. Build a new 22,000 L supply tank above the village.
3. New plastic pipe to replace the damaged pipes and new pipes to distribute the water.
4. Install a tap at every house in the village so everyone has their individual supply.

Technical Feasibility

This model of project has been undertaken many times in the past 15 years and is well tried and proven. The skilled labour and oversight of the work is readily available to ensure quality.

Rotarian involvement

Rotarians have visited Gahateri several times, the last time was in December 2023 and know the village well. 3 members each form Portland and Poundbury have booked flights to to visit again in November 2024 to inspect the site and further discuss the plan for the project with the villagers. Construction will take place early 2025

Non-Rotarian involvement

The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Okhle Village Trust which we have worked with over many years completing similar water projects. We have a local contact and project manager, with local knowledge and expertise, Bimal Gurung. There are two deputies Gopal and Rabin who also oversee work on site.

Financial Management

Funds will be held by Portland Rotary Club and monies released as needed. This will be staggered as each stage of the project is achieved. Accounts and receipts will be audited.

Community Involvement

Villagers will be involved in the construction, contributing most of the labour, thereby reducing costs and resulting in the community taking ownership.

Sustainability

The project addresses a local need, identified and importantly requested by the villagers and they have a vested interest in the system’s longevity.

The water system will be owned communally by the village.

All materials and labour will be sourced locally.

The system is a simple gravity fed systems, with concrete tanks (lifespan in excess of fifty years) and plastic piping easily replaced when needed by the locals.

Publicity

A plaque will be placed on either the tank or a tap, recording the Rotary and OVT contributions. Details of the project will be publicised locally in Dorset in local newspapers. Also, on the websites of the Rotary Clubs and on the OVT website.

Project Cost                           

At exchange rate of 170 NPR = £1 Total Cost is £3824.00