Under Hygiene and Behaviour Change Coalition project, ENPHO with the support of Oxfam conducted Operation and Maintenance (O&M) orientation for foot operated handwashing stations on 11 December, 2020 at Mahalaxmi Municipality Office Hall, Imadol, Lalitpur. The purpose of this orientation was to provide knowledge and technical skills for operation and maintenance of foot operated handwashing station for proper functioning and management of the stations.

Orientation was delivered by Mr. Shushil Nhemaphuki, Technical Officer, ENPHO to altogether 14 representatives from 14 different institutions. After the sessions, Mr. Chiranjibi Acharya, Head Master of Shree Biswamitra Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Ward 9 suggested that, “In order to well operate and maintain the foot operated handwashing stations, we have highlighted three things to be made, i) to generate the O&M fund for regular maintenance of the stations; ii) provide roles and responsibilities to the designated authorities and iii) to stock the spare parts for stations maintenance.”

ENPHO with the support of Oxfam has been installed 17 foot operated handwashing stations at various institutions such as schools, health posts, bus parks, and temple premises located in Mahalaxmi municipality in August 2020 in response to reduce the risk of spread of COVID – 19 disease. This training will support the sustainable use of handwashing stations and can reduce the disease cases in the community.