ENPHO and Godawari municipality whole-heartedly welcomed a group of international visitors at Sima ko Dhara (a traditional stone spout) and Chapagaun Public Toilet located in Godawari municipality. A learning exposure visit was conducted for the international participants of Regional Exchange Forum- WASH Resilience and Sustainability Workshop which was organized by Malteser International including different I/NGOs, like Plan International- Bangladesh, Plan International- Indonesia, Plan International- Nepal, Youth Catalyst- Pakistan, and Global International Youth Movement- India, on 2 December, 2022.

During the visit, participants were briefed about the initiatives taken for protection of water sources along with traditional man- made: Stone Spouts and about the transformation of the conventional public toilet into a modern public utility. Mr. Santa Bahadur Desar, Focal person, Godawari Municipality and Mr. Robin Maharjan, Social Mobilizer, ENPHO facilitated the group during the visit.

“It is very impressive to know, that the conservation of traditional stone spouts has been progressive at these places, and I am also heartened with the idea and practice of using overflown water for irrigation at the nearby fields.”– Mr. Arno, Global WASH Advisor, Malteser International

“It is very pleasing to see such a well organized and clean public toilet around the city. I am glad to witness pad vending and pad disposal machine at the female compartment. I also liked the concept of coffee shop, which aids in making the toilet self-reliant for regular operation and maintenance.”- Mrs. Ida, Plan International, Indonesia

The participants felt the exposure visit to be very useful and have committed to implement the learnings at their respective cities.

The Simako Dhara and Chapagaun Public Toilet were renovated under the “Integrated Urban Water Management at the Center of Municipal Public Services” Project, under the financial support of Bremen Overseas Research & Development Association (BORDA). The project is being implemented since 2020 A.D. to improve the living condition of people in small towns and reduces the health and environmental risks associated with inadequate water supply and sanitation.