National Policy Dialogue on WASH Charts Path for Inclusive and Accountable Services in Nepal
[ 8 Jul, 2025 ]
Kathmandu, 25 June 2025 — A high-level National Policy Dialogue and Advocacy Program convened today at the Square Hotel, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, bringing together over 100 stakeholders to deliberate the future of Nepal’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. The event was led by the Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal (FEDWASUN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Supply, FANSA Nepal Chapter, SNV Nepal, Water Aid Nepal , Welthungerhilfe, UN-Habitat, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The program aimed to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable sanitation systems through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and advocacy. Participants included policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and grassroots community leaders.
The program inaugural with welcoming remarks from a FEDWASUN representative, followed by session chaired by Mr. Rajendra Aryal, National President of FEDWASUN and Co-convener of FANSA Nepal Chapter. The session was graced by Mr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), who attended as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were key officials from federal and provincial government agencies, development partners, and various thematic federations.
Dr. Rajit Ojha from DWSSM presented an overview of the newly drafted Drinking Water Regulation and Implementation Directive, while Mr. Karmath Subedi shared findings from the study done by the FANSA Nepal chapter on “Assessing Community Leadership and Participation in Municipal Systems.”During the sharing, he highlighted community leadership and the importance of inclusive access in upcoming water policies.
A vibrant panel discussion followed, moderated by Mr. Kabindra Pudasaini and chaired by Dr. Ganga Datta Nepal, Vice Chairperson of the Bagmati Province Policy and Planning Commission. Panelists included:
· Mr. Bal Mukunda Shrestha, Deputy Director General, DWSSM
· Mr. Subash Raj Pant, WASH Head, Town Development Fund
· Ms. Nadira Khawaja, Sector Leader – Water, SNV Nepal
· Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Convener, FANSA Nepal Chapter
· Mr. Ram Bahadur Ghimire, Representative, Drinking Water and Sanitation User Committees.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to equity, community ownership, and transparency in water and sanitation governance. Key takeaways included:
· The importance of accessible and implementable water regulations.
· Strengthening the legal status and support for WSUCs.
· Deepening inclusion of marginalized groups, especially women and Dalits, in WASH structures.