Sustainability Assessment of Fund Board Water and Sanitation Projects in Nepal

Abstract

Many people lack access to basic services in Nepal, only 27% have access to basic sanitation but around 89% to water. Although water access is not as urgent as sanitation coverage, it is not necessarily safe drinking water people have access to. The RWSS Fund Development Board implements water supply and sanitation projects in rural areas and is one of the main organizations in this sector. Three communities were selected to investigate which aspects influence the sustainability of these projects. Overall, the projects implemented 2 years ago were in good condition, community members satisfied, their health improved remarkably and participation/ownership during the project was high. However, there is a gap between Fund Board policies and what is implemented in the field. Improvements are necessary in collaboration and coordination among local, regional government, source coverage, sanitation training and especially the funds in case of a major breakdown need to be reconsidered, which is the main challenge to sustain the water supply system.