In a significant stride towards improving access to clean drinking water in Nepal, more than 11,000 residents in the Sarlahi and Siraha districts of Madhesh province can now quench their thirst with confidence. The successful implementation of seven Solar Drinking Water projects, supported by the Government of Japan, the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has brought about this transformative change. These projects involved the installation of solar pumps with a combined capacity of 186 kWp.
Recently, the Government of Japan and the UNDP celebrated a momentous occasion as they handed over one of the seven projects, the 9 kWp Kothi Khola Solar Drinking Water Project, to the Atrauli User’s Committee in Ward 1 of Harion Municipality, Sarlahi district. This noteworthy project now ensures over 260 residents have access to clean, potable drinking water. Furthermore, the project’s impact extends beyond hydration, as it provides irrigation support for modern agricultural practices like drip irrigation for polyhouse farming, opening doors to enhanced livelihoods and sustainable farming techniques.
During the handover event, Takahiro Tamura, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Nepal, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to AEPC, UNDP, the District Water Supply and Sewage Office, Hariwan Municipality, and the resilient people of Atrauli. Tamura, filled with optimism, remarked, “I hope that this project will significantly improve the quality of life for the community, providing them with sustainable access to clean drinking water. The project team has also provided extensive training to the local community, empowering them to ensure the long-term success and operation of the project.” He also underscored the project’s potential to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Nepal, fostering a deeper sense of friendship between the two nations.
Vijaya Singh, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP, extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this monumental endeavor. She emphasized the project’s pivotal role in achieving the goals of Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions. Singh highlighted the collaborative efforts of Hariwan Municipality, the District Water Supply and Sewage Office, AEPC, UNDP, and the Government of Japan. She acknowledged that providing access to clean drinking water to communities is a shared responsibility, and the solar pumping system emerged as a game-changer in areas where the national grid’s quality and reliability posed significant challenges.
The successful implementation of the Atrauli project serves as an inspiration to the renewable energy sector in Nepal. As Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Director of AEPC, pointed out, renewable energy sources should not be limited to remote areas without access to the national grid. The Atrauli project stands as a shining example of how sustainable energy solutions can be extended to areas in need. Adhikari urged the promotion of sustainable energy sources and the adoption of renewable technologies to ensure widespread energy access across the country.
Kunta Maya Rapal, President of the Atrauli User’s Committee, expressed her joy and relief, stating, “Now, we no longer have to endure the arduous daily journey of fetching water, which used to take us three hours. This newfound convenience allows us to dedicate our time to agriculture and other productive activities that contribute to our livelihoods.” The impact of the project is particularly significant in the Chure hill regions of Nepal, which have long faced water scarcity due to deforestation, unplanned development, and the adverse effects of climate change. Previously, women and children spent 3-4 hours each day fetching water, but thanks to the Solar Drinking Water projects, their burden has been alleviated.
In addition to providing clean drinking water, the Solar Drinking Water projects have facilitated the installation of solar PV backup systems with support from the Government of Japan. These systems ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for critical medical equipment in 11 health facilities and power computer and audio-visual equipment in two schools in Sarlahi district. Furthermore, 266 individuals, both women and men, have received comprehensive training on various aspects of solar PV technologies and institutional building. This training aims to empower the local community to maintain and utilize the solar systems effectively even after the project’s completion.
The successful implementation and handover of the Kothi Khola Solar Drinking Water Project in Atrauli mark a remarkable achievement for the communities in the Sarlahi and Siraha districts. As clean drinking water becomes a reality for thousands of residents, the transformative impact of these projects reverberates through improved livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced access to critical services. Through collaboration, innovation, and renewable energy solutions, Nepal takes a significant step forward in its journey towards a brighter and more sustainable future.