Impact assessment of drinking water supply and sanitation project in Sankhrapur municipality – 2, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

This academic study was focused on ―Impact Assessment of Drinking WaterSupply and Sanitation Project in Sankhrapur Municipality, Kathmandu Nepal” which is a project area of Neighbor Society Service Company (NSSC) and has exacted a community-based water supply and sanitation project. The study adopted a mixed method, so conducted household survey for quantitative data collection and conducted focus group discussion and key information interview for qualitative data collection. The general objective of the study was to evaluate the socio-economic impact of drinking water supply and sanitation project. Similarly, other objectives were to assess the socio-economic status of the project beneficiaries, to assess the economic and social impacts of the drinking water project on the local people and to examine the contribution of beneficiaries for environmental an sustainability. The study followed evaluative research design and employed both qualitative and quantitative data. A total 105 households were surveyed for the collection of the data. Focus Group Discussion and Key Information Interview were also conducted for the purpose of collecting qualitative data for data triangulation. Both qualitative and quantitative data revealed that the project had a significant positive impact socially, economically and environmentally. The project helped to reduce the time spent fetching water, created new income generation activities, improved household income and productivity, allocated time and funds into priority area and reduced expenses related to healthcare and water collection. Similarly, the project has contributed to bring change in traditional gender norms, change in attitude towards hygiene practices and cultural change towards health practices which have contributed to improved public health. The environment has also positively benefitted from the project, the project has contributed to improving waste segregation practice and reducing visual pollution, and tree plantation water conservation practices such as water re-use and rainwater harvesting have also improved after the project. WSUC and involvement of beneficiaries in community discussion and contribution of fund by beneficiaries and local government for operation, repair and maintenance have contributed for the long-term sustenance of the water infrastructure.