20th February 2024, Kathmandu
The Coca-Cola Foundation Successfully Handovers Kalitar Sustainable WASH Project
To provide sustainable water solutions to residents of Kalitar and Gairigaon of ward number 6 of Godawai Municipality, The Coca-Cola Foundation, in partnership with CIUD and WAN, joined hands once again to mark the successful handover of the Kalitar Sustainable WASH Project.
The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), WaterAid Nepal (WAN), and Godawari Municipality is pleased to announce the successful handover of the Kalitar Sustainable WASH Project in Kalitar of Ward No. 6 of Godawari Municipality. The project aims to deliver safe, sufficient, accessible, and affordable drinking water to 148 households and improve the hygiene behaviors of the people. The official handover ceremony took place on February 15, 2024, and was led over by Mr. Bishnuman Maharjan, Chairperson of Ward No. 6. Notably, Mr. Udaya Shumsher Rana, former minister and representative of Lalitpur 1 in the Parliament, served as the Chief Guest for the event.
The project primarily focuses on three major objectives. Firstly, it involves the comprehensive rehabilitation of the existing drinking water system, encompassing the installation of 2 intakes, upgrading 2 reservoir tanks, laying a 2766-meter transmission line, and establishing a 3702-meter network of distribution lines, along connecting 148 households and three temples with the household taps with water meters. Secondly, the project aims to enhance community sanitation practices. Lastly, it focuses on capacity building for existing user committees and implementing activities to bring about positive hygiene behavior changes within the community.
Lele faced several challenges after the devastating earthquake in 2015. Many spring sources dried up, and unplanned road construction worsened the situation, impacting the flow of springs and causing landslides that further harmed water sources. The TCCF is aiding in rebuilding the infrastructure, leading to improved access to safe water for this community. Moreover, TCCF is expanding the project further in this region as their next phase has been approved.
Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are committed to creating sustainable communities, and this project aligns perfectly with that vision. By improving water infrastructure, and sanitation, and promoting positive behavioral changes, we aim to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the well-being of the community. Clean water is fundamental to community health, and we are proud to support initiatives that bring about positive change.”
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Bishnuman Maharjan, the Chairperson of Ward No. 6 of Godawari Municipality, conveyed his gratitude, saying, “In the spirit of community, I extend my sincere thanks for the project’s success and its positive impact on our residents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Coca-Cola Foundation, WaterAid, and CIUD for their invaluable contributions. We hope for similar support for the community from The Coca-Cola Foundation in the future too.”
Mr. Udaya Shumsher Rana, Chief Guest and former Minister, expressed his admiration for the project’s impact, stating, “I appreciate The Coca-Cola Foundation, WaterAid, and CIUD for their collaborative efforts in bringing about positive change in our community. Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and initiatives like these contribute significantly to our well-being.”
Coca-Cola Foundation Delivers
With a mission to make a difference in communities worldwide, The Coca-Cola Foundation has been providing sustainable access to safe water, building climate resilience, promoting a circular economy, economic empowerment, and responding to disasters. Aligning with TCCF’s objectives of providing access to water resources, promoting, water conservation, and using water for multiple uses, WWF Nepal has been leveraging our extensive experience in partnering with the Government of Nepal on wetland restoration to realize the project goal through three major objectives of Construction of wetlands, supporting in water replenishment and Capacity building of local communities and people.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.
About CIUD
Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD) is a non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to people-centered urban development, where it utilizes the synergy of a competent pool of human resources (HR) comprising urban planners, social scientists, engineers Information Technology (IT), governance experts and community workers. Established in 2002, CIUD has been demonstrating pilot projects, mobilizing resources, and conducting studies and research on various urban issues and aspects. It has been working extensively on sustainable urban solutions to support and complement the government’s effort as well as its initiative to tackle urban challenges to foster livable cities in Nepal. WASH, urban water management, and public open space management are some of the key working areas of CIUD.
About WaterAid Nepal
WaterAid Nepal (WAN) is an international for-profit, determined to ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for everyone, everywhere within a generation and duly represented by its authorized representative Ms. Tripti Rai, Country Director. Only by tackling these three essentials in ways that last can people change their lives for good. WaterAid’s vision aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 – everyone, everywhere with access to sustainable WASH services by 2030. WaterAid believes this is only possible with a strong WASH sector; a sector led by national governments who prioritize WASH and aim to protect, promote, and fulfill their citizens’ rights.