World Toilet Day 2024: Safe Sanitation for All
Safe and secure sanitation is one of life’s essentials – but many communities in Nepal still lack even the most basic provision.
‘Safe toilets for all by 2030’ is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – but the world is seriously off track. 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, including 419 million who practise open defecation. Faster action to improve and protect people’s access to sanitation is critical to building a fairer, healthier world.
Helping a community access clean water
We recently revisited the Dhodeni Water Supply Project which was completed last year and has benefited 352 people from 62 households. Bal Bahadur Tamang, Chairperson of the village’s Water Users Committee, explained the difficulties they faced without access to safe water.
“We did not have a systematic water system. We used to fetch water from Khola Khurmure Khola. It used to take 20 mins, and the river is located inside the jungle. We used to wake up at 5-6 am to fetch the water.”
“There was insufficient water and a high risk of getting contaminated. It was challenging in dry seasons as the river used to dry up. The water quality was never tested. In 2015, due to an earthquake, all the water chambers were destroyed. We were in a difficult position to get access to basic water.”
In 2022 GWT carried out a survey and identified the village as high priority. Working together with the local community the project was completed the following year. As part of the project, GWT provided education on safe sanitation and good hygiene practices.
“30-35 years ago, people had no toilets, so they used to defecate in the jungle. We were not aware of the importance of toilets and sanitation. Some organisations like Naulo Gumti Red Cross helped to educate us on the importance of latrines and handwashing. We became more aware of sanitation and waste management. After implementing the GWT programme, we were trained in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.” Bal Bahadur Tamag, Chairperson.
A school in need
In the village most of the households have toilets, but Shree Siddha Basic School lacked proper toilet facilities. GWT constructed a new toilet block with separate facilities for boys and girls, as well as hand washing stations.
“Our primary school used to have one toilet made of CGI metal sheet. All students, including teachers, had difficulty accessing the toilet. It was unpleasant for all of us. We did not even have proper handwashing stations for children. There was no access to water for drinking and washing hands. We even asked the local government to provide the infrastructure, but they had no funds. GWT helped our school and provided safe drinking water and handwashing facilities, as well as toilet blocks which are gender and disability-friendly.”
It has made a big difference to the students and teachers. “We do not have to wait in queue to use the toilets. Now, students can wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. We are very grateful that GWT helped our community including our school with all the infrastructure and water delivery services… Thank you very much.” Asha Gurung, Headteacher
A healthier happier way of life
“Before implementation of the water supply project, we used to fetch water from the river. It would take 20-30 minutes to fill a water bucket. We used to store the water in a bottle. It was hard to manage in daily life. But now, we don’t have to think about the water. We can have access to safe water which is checked and tested. We can drink the water directly. We have seen positive changes in sanitation and the environment. There is now a good waste management system in our village. We can bathe nicely, we don’t have to go to the river which takes 1-2 hrs. We don’t have waterborne diseases among children now.”
“This is one of the best organisations for coordination, time management, and discipline. Thank you for everything. Dhanyabad”
Find out more: World Toilet Day | United Nations