Thursday 25th April 2024
Paving way for another important development in Nepal, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreed to provide USD 150 million as development assistance to the Himalayan nation.
The ADB fund will be used for two projects including a USD 130 million concessional loan for Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project and USD 20 million additional loan financing for SASEC Power System Expansion Project.
Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project
This project will improve water supply and sanitation infrastructure for increased access to the aforementioned resources in 20 municipalities.
On the other hand, the SASEC Power System Expansion Project seeks to address Nepal’s electricity sector concerns by:
Nepal Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Rajan Khanal and Nepal Resident Mission Country Director Mukhtor Khamudkhanov signed the agreement on behalf of the Nepal Government & ADB, respectively.
Girl-Friendly Toilets
Meanwhile, Nepal is already beginning to witness a revolution in the form of ‘girl-friendly’ sanitation infrastructure. Lately, a lot of schools are becoming particular about maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation during menstruation informed Bardevi Basic School Teacher Debaki Timalsina Dotel.
“When we were sharing the toilet with boys, we had to stay in queue for long time for our turn. It used to be troublesome especially during periods. “Going home was the only option for changing pads and cleaning ourselves,” said Binita Regmi, Niranjana Secondary School 11th Grader.
But ever since the school constructed gender-friendly toilets, girls don’t have to skip classes during periods. Furthermore, the mental stress is also reduced.
“We have been provided with the sanitary pads from the school and there is a proper place for disposal also,” Regmi added.
Bardevi Basic School set such example back in 2017. “In lack of proper toilet, we earlier had to defecate in the open. We were always in fear of being caught, but now we feel safe,” said Asmita Gajurel, Bardevi Basic School Eight Grader. This has also benefited female teachers.
“Sanitary pads are not easily available in rural areas. That is why we have arranged pads for the students in the school. We have also trained the students on making sanitary pads at home,” Dotel added.
BBS Principal Kedarnath Dotel informed that the facilities have been constructed with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Good Neighbors International and District Public Health Office (DPHO).
Girls have become regular to school from the time separate toilets were constructed.
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