Under the Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) Project , ENPHO with the support of BORDA South Asia and in coordination with Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur inaugurated the Simako Dhara (a traditional stone spout at Patalechhap, Bishankhunarayan, Godawari) after its renovation. Amidst a formal program, Simako Dhara was inaugurated by Mr. Gajendra Maharjan, Mayor on 26 December, 2021 in the presence of Ms. Muna Adhikari, Deputy Mayor and Mr. Devendra Kumar Basnet, Ward 2 Chairperson, and Mr. Purosattam Bista, Mr. Mohan Bahadur Thapamagar, Ms. Laxmi Silwal, Ms. Chandrawati Nepali, as ward elected members, representatives from renovation user’s committee and community members from Godawari Municipality.
The renovation works of the stone spout along with maintenance of public toilet nearby by the Simako Dhara was implemented under the co-funding of the Godawari Municipality and IUWM project. The renovation work at the Simako Dhara includes the following features:
· Sitting provision while waiting for taking water in que.
· Raised platform for filling water and washing platform.
· Clear, wide and easy access entry and exit separately to avoid congestion and collision.
· Aesthetically attractive landscaping above the stone spout.
· Disable friendly features like handrails ramp etc.
· Single seat toilet facility with hand washing facility.
· Grey water management
Traditional water sources that are on the verse of severe maintenance and the community that are solely dependent on the traditional water sources for drinking water has been intervened through the project to ensure quality improvement and restoration of traditional water sources.
At the program, Mr. Prashanna Man Pradhan, Senior Program Manager, ENPHO emphasized the essence of water conservation, the importance of water source protection and also requested all local residents to take forward the initiation in a sustainable manner. Also, Ms. Muna Adhikari, Deputy Mayor emphasized that the responsibility has been handed over for the sustainable operation of the stone spouts to the community.
Similarly, Mr. Devendra K. Basnet requested collaborative support from the community to maintain the aesthetic value of the newly renovated stone spouts and also thanked ENPHO and BORDA for the good initiation. Mr. Gajendra Basnet, the Mayor, recalled the similar renovation done at wards 10 and 11 from IUWM Phase I, and also highlighted the need for restoration of many other stone spouts around the municipality. He also assured that the municipality and community will together work for the continuity of the beautification of the Simako Dhara site to ensure more aesthetic values and its sustainable use.
At the end of the program, Mr. Prashanna Man Pradhan handed over the work completion certificate to Mr. Devendra K. Basnet, Ward Chairperson, and Mr. Gajendra Maharjan, Mayor, Godawari Municipality.
A total of 200 HHs in the community and local passengers at the stone spouts will be the beneficiaries of the revived Simako Dhara. More than 70 community residents observed the inauguration program on the day.
