I. Background

Government of Nepal (GoN) with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) is implementing Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (STWSSSP) during the period 2001-2008.  The Small Towns are defined by GoN under different criteria of population and access of facilities .The STWSSSP is a part of the 15-year plan for small towns' water supply and sanitation development in the country. The Project is under implementation in the 30 Small Towns of Nepal during 2001-2008 and 209 Small Towns will be covered by 2015 as per national Millennium Development (MDG) Goal.

The main goal of STWSSSP is to enhance human development and reduce poverty through sustainable improvement of the water supply and sanitation conditions in the Small Towns of Nepal. The project aims to provide water supply, limited drainage, and sanitation facilities in selected small towns following a demand-driven, interactive procedure that ensures full participation of the local water users in the formulation, implementation and operation and maintenance of the town projects.

Project Benefit Monitoring and Evaluation (BME) are considered as a key Project component of the STWSSSP.  The key objective of the internal BME is to assess the delivery of services, use of services, immediate beneficial impact and sustainability after its completion. This study is related with Parsa Small Town Project, the First Batch Project.

Parsa Small Town lies in Chitwan district and it is located at about 11 km east of Ratnanagar Municipality and 17 km east of Narayanghat on the east west highway. The project lies under Khairhani VDC of Chitwan and covers five wards (i.e.  2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 ) of it.  The East-west highway passes through ward number 4 of the VDC. The baseline households and population of the project area is estimated to be 2,072 and 12,163 with the average family size of 5.9.The dominant ethnic/caste groups of the project area are Tharu, followed by Brahmin Chhetri and occupational caste. However, in the Bazar area Brahmin, Chhetri are the major ethnic group followed by Magar, Newar and occupational castes.   36 percent population of the project area are employed in agriculture, while more than one third (34%) remain unemployed.  Number of   population involved in the business, service, wage labour and other occupation are reported to be 8.5 percent, 7.5 percent, 2.5 percent and 11 percent respectively. Of the total Project Area households, 39 percent (803 number) fall below the poverty line income range (i.e. < Rs 3000/month).

In order to achieve the BME objective, the BME survey is executed collecting quantitative and qualitative data from secondary and primary sources of information. The primary information was collected by launching household survey (for quantitative data) and adopting Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) technique for qualitative information.  Among the various PRA tools, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview, Case Study, observation etc were applied. Similarly, secondary information was collected through collection and review of Progress Reports, Baseline data, NGO Report, Monitoring/Visit Report records maintained by WUSC, TPO and PMO etc.  Altogether 15 members from multidisciplinary fields were involved in the study. Of the total team members 43 percent were women.

Altogether 10 percent beneficiary households (210 numbers) were selected randomly for the household interview.  Among the selected households 20 percent were women headed households. Among the selected households 11 percent were women headed households. By caste/ethnic group category 55 percent belong to higher caste such as Brahmin, Chhetri, 38 percent Adibasi/Janjati and 7 percent Dalit. Similarly,  by tap connection type 44 percent sample represent yard  type connection, 19 percent fully plumbed connection, 35 percent  other source mainly hand pump
The analysis of data was made using Microsoft Access 2000 file format which includes Visual Basic and SQL programming. The analysis is presented using simple statistical methods like averages, percentage etc. Wherever appropriate the data is presented in pictorial forms.   Before and after situation comparison are made wherever possible. A comparative of analysis of delivery of services, use of the services, perceived change and benefits etc is analyzed with regards to three broad parameters in most of the cases:

The Evaluation Report is organized in four broad chapters. Chapter 1 provides the background information about the STWSSSP study objective, study approach and limitations. Chapter II records brief overview of the project area with regards to the baseline scenario.  Chapter III highlights on the findings   with respect to delivery of services, use of services and immediate benefit and impact, sustainability trend and Chapter IV recommends the measures for future course of actions. The study is conducted under different limitations such as timing, resources, size of respondents, professional, etc

II. Study Findings

2.1 Delivery of Services

The Parsa Town Project was planned and implemented as per the process of Small Town under which various stakeholders such as MPPW, DOWsS, PMO, EDC, NGO, and WUSC etc are involved. The WUSC plays important role in the implementation of the Town Project by supervising the construction works. In Parsa, the WUSC formed different committees during implementation. For the smooth operation of the project nine members Executing Committee is formed which is running its activities with seven regular paid staff. The office has been established in the guard house in the premises of water tank

Altogether 609 taps have been connected in the project area out of the 1249 number of target set for the base year (2005), meeting 48.9 percent of the target set . A 24 hour water supply is available in the project area. The Project is producing 29 percent of the water production against the target of base year. However, the target of water consumption is met by only 13 percent.

Out of 803 poor households 557 households (69%) were reported not having in-premise latrine. Of these 460 poor households (83%) were provided subsidy facility for toilet construction. Similarly, after awareness campaigns conducted by the NGO 49 non-poor households have also constructed latrines and met 100 percent target of non-poor households. In totality, the Town has achieved 84 percent of target with regards to the toilet construction. Four school toilets have been constructed with the project support. However, tap inside the school toilet is installed in only one school, although the cleanliness condition of all the toilets is assessed to be good.

The cleanliness condition of the household toilet as observed by Field Enumerator is found  to be clean in 74 percent cases, average in 20 percent cases and dirty in six percent cases.

Altogether 1766 persons (15% of total population) were participated in HHE related awareness and training programmes. Of the total participants 7.0 percent participated in HHE trainings, 90.4 percent participated in the health awareness campaign and 2.8 percent participated in other programmes. In the total training and awareness related programmes, the participation of women is found to be 56 percent with the highest participation in the HHE trainings (60%) and lowest in other programmes (40%). Parsa Town Project is lucky enough receive the technical trainings as among the 30 small town projects as such an important training is organasised only in this town.  The capacity building and training related activities are assessed to be highly useful by majority of the participants (80-87%).

Altogether 1918 women (31% of total women population of the service area) have participated in key project related activities so far, in the Parsa Town Project. Among the various types of activities, the ratio of women participation is recorded to be highest in HHE training (60%) and lowest in doing main agreement (13 % each).

36 percent of the households members either men or women or both were participated in the project related activities.  Among the different category of households, the participation level is recorded to be highest within upper caste and fully plumed households (39% each). The participation level of women in project activities varies by ethnicity/caste and location. The level of participation of Tharu communities has been found to be poor in the Project Area compared to other hill origin community.

Community taps, subsidized latrine and installment payment for private tap connection are the other measures adopted by Parsa Town Project for social inclusion of poor and disadvantaged communities.  Two community taps are installed in Tharu settlement. 54 pro-poor households were given 6-9 months installment facility for connecting taps and it is reported that all the 54 households have cleared their due within the allocated time.  The WUSC has a plan to establish Revolving Fund through collection of donation from industrialists, businessmen, charity show etc to facilitate the poor for tap installation and execution of IGA activities. Despite the fact,   very few of the poor and Tharu community have been participated in the project activities and connected private tap. In a settlement of 150 Tharu households only 8 households ( 5.3%)  have connected individual tap  and 60 households ( 40%) have constructed in-premise latrine.

To date Parsa Town Project has not experienced any serious resettlement and environmental related issues. However, practices of open sewerage and no sewerage both are envisaged to generate several environmental hazards in the days to come. Pipe alignments through drainage (e.g. Bazar area Durga Mandir-8,) were raised as serious issue by the beneficiaries during the field visit.

2.2          Use of Services, Perceived Changes and Benefit

The water consumption pattern for different purposes has been found increased in majority of the cases after the service available from the Town Project.  Around 60 percent of the surveyed households have reported that the amount of water for drinking by the family members have been increased after the project. The average water uses for drinking alone is estimated to be 15 liters/day/family. Thirty-eight percent of the project beneficiaries remarked   that the water utilization for bathing purpose has been increased than before.  Average use of water for bathing and washing purpose is estimated to be 92 liters/day/HH. Similarly, 35 percent households have also realized increase in the water use for washing purpose. The average quantity of water used for washing is estimated to be 85 litre/day/HH. Increase in the water use pattern for livestock is reported by 61 percent households while 39 percent of them claim that the livestock consumption of water remains to be the same.

Thirty nine percent households have stated that water use for kitchen garden has been increased. The average delivery of water for kitchen garden, however, is not much (18.5 litre/day/HH). The type of households that are flowing maximum quantity of water for kitchen garden is recorded for upper caste households (22 litre/day/HH), male headed households (20 litre/day/HH) and private tap users (26-34 litre/day/HH).

Water fetching time generally is higher in hills compared to Terai due to distance of source and difficult terrain to walk. However, as hand pumps are the main source of water in Terai pulling hand pump and waiting (mainly in the community hand pump) are reported to be the major time taking items.  In Parsa Small Town only 19 percent households have affirmed saving time due to tap installation. As per the households survey, average time saved after the project is estimated to be 54 minutes /day/HH

The maximum water time saving is ascertained by upper caste (57 minutes/day/HH); female headed households (89 minutes/day/HH) yard type tap users (57 minutes/day/HH). In certain area the beneficiaries have affirmed saving of up to 2 hour time /day (residence of Durga Mandir, Khairhani-8). Despite the fact, only fewer households (1.4%) have reported that they have been utilizing the saved time for income generating activities IGA).
The health campaigns and training programs conducted by the project have shown positive impact on the community people, as they seem to have adopted different healthy practice such as personal hygiene, food hygiene, cleanliness of kitchen, rooms and surroundings, etc. The community seemed to be aware of environment cleanliness and harmful effects of improper disposal of wastes. The people seem to have understood the importance of regular use and cleanliness of toilets. They have also adopted personal health and hygiene practice. The drastic change experienced by the community is the clean street in the Tharu settlements where the street was used for open defecation before the project, although, their participation in the tap connection is found to be very poor.

The number of households not having latrine is reduced to 4.7 percent after the project compared to 29.2 percent before the project and 98 percent households having toilet  reported that they use toilet for defecation. Fifty six percent of the survey households have reported use of waste water for different purposes.  Among those utilizing waste water, 95 percent are using for kitchen garden, 2.6 percent for livestock and 2.6 percent for other purposes, 54 percent households have reported that the hand washing practices has been increased among the community members. 55 percent households have reported increase in bathing habits. It is reported that the majority of the population (29% each in case of men and women) are taking daily bath, while majority of the children (40%) are taking bath twice a week. The second largest number of household reporting frequency of bath within a week is three to four times a week for both men (16%) and women (16-19%) and once a week (15%) in case of children.  Diseases such as tooth pain, stomach pain, and the flue and allergy problems have been reported to be reduced after the use of tap water.

Gender empowerment status has been improved moderately in the project area. According to the household survey, 41 percent households have reported increase in the self respect among women due to their mandatory representation in the WUSC, encouragement and motivation for participation in project activities etc.  A higher percentage of increase in self-respect is reported by upper caste households (46%), male headed households (42%) and community tap users (67%). The increase in self confidence among women is reported to be increased by 41 percent of the sample households and the reporting percentage is found lowest among Dalithouseholds (12%). Compared to self respect and confidence among women, change in leadership has been reported increased by lower percentage of households (only by 26 %). However, higher percentage of households reporting increase in leadership development of women is found among upper caste households (31%), female headed households ( 36%) and  private tap users ( yard type-34%). The social and cultural aspect and education level are reported to be main factors of slow progress in leadership quality of women. The women's initiation in new activities is also reported to be improved in 28 percent cases, mostly among upper caste and female headed households.  Similarly, it is experienced that construction of four school toilets has contributed to school enrollment and regularity of girl students in the class.

2.3          Sustainability of the Project

The sustainability of the Parsa Small Town is assessed based on three major indicators namely technical quality and reliability of the project, financial   capacity and institutional capacity. The field report of the technical team has noted the quality of the work to be at standard level and good and implemented as per the design.   Leakages in pipes in few places, lining of pipes lines along with the drainage in market area, poor liquid waste management  etc are  noted as some of the deficiencies of the project.

Parsa Town Project is delivering 24 hour water supply.  With regards to the quality of water supplied by the project,   100 percent households ascertain the quality to be clean and expressed their satisfaction on the reliability and quality of water supply. Regarding the households‘perception on the overall technical reliability of the project, the majority   (74%) considered the project as reliable while the minority (25%) believes the project to be unreliable due mainly to high financial problems, reluctancy of households to connect private tap, leakage problems, and surface drain problem.

The total financial cost of the project including storm water drainage was estimated at Rs 47,608,226 during design. The contract was awarded at Rs 29,796,605 (Rs 25,665,582 for water Supply and 4,131,023 (25.0 % below than the estimate, when excluding local resource mobilization).  The actual cost of the project (Rs 33,937,061 including local mobilization) reveals that the project has been constructed by 29 percent lower than the original estimate and 6 percent below than the contract amount (excluding local mobilization). The per capita cost based on the actual cost is calculated to be Rs 2,450 which is lower by 25 percent than the original estimate (Rs 3,293). The household survey reveals that 78 percent people had deposited upfront cash with the average rate of Rs 1081/HH. Similarly, 46 percent of the survey population stated that they contributed average amount of Rs 5,819 during project implementation.  According to Parsa WUSC Audit Report 2061, an amount of Rs 1,238,500 was borrowed and an amount of Rs 41,000 was collected as donation from the individuals and organization to meet the upfront deposit requirement. Of the total loan borrowed from the individuals, Rs 700,000 (52%) is reported to be paid.

The tariff rate fixed   by Parsa WUSC   varies between Rs 10.0/m3 and Rs 25.0/m3 based on volume of water consumed by a household compared to Rs 13.50/m3 -Rs 16.60/m3 proposed in the design.  The water tariff fixed (Rs 100 lump sum or Rs 10/m3) for minimum volume of water consumption in a month (10m3)   is 25 percent lowest than the design rate.  Although the WUSC has also fixed higher rate according to the volume of water consumed there is less chances of increase in the volume of tap water and increase in the rate as all the households are also using hands pumps for other usages of water. Thus, the rate of tariff to be paid by majority of the consumers fall 25-40 percent below than the design rate.
Majority of the survey households, (52%) considered the water tariff to be high and 42 percent ranked the water tariff rate as fair.   It also indicates that the consumers may not support the idea of increasing tariff rate in future. The survey result also reveals that larger group of people (60%) are paying the water tariff timely. The project has borrowed an amount of Rs 11,429,949 from TDF and all is due.  The WUSC has a total saving of Rs 88,363 of which, Rs 72,072 remains in the Nepal Bank Account and Rs 16,291 as cash (situation of   Magh 2063).

The average regular monthly income, expenditure and surplus are calculated to be Rs 83,892 Rs 81,919 and Rs 1,573 respectively.  The trend of monthly income and expenditure pattern of Parsa Town reveal that the Town has derived only 25-27 percent of expected income. In case of expenditure, the Town has maintained the expenditure within the marginal limit of the design with 2-6 percent plus and minus situation. Based on the analysis of the different financial related indicators above, the financial sustainability of the Parsa Town has been assessed as complex.
The Project is being managed by a nine member executing committee.  The original committee formed during the registration of the WUSC has been reelected with change of some new members. The members were chosen with consensus of the majorities.  In the new Committee, the Chairperson and three women members are continued from the old committee and remaining five members including Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary are newly elected.

 Alike  the Executive Committee,  WUSC Parsa has also revised its Advisory Committee, Account Committee and five Ward wise Sub-committees. Two of the Ward Sub-Committees are led by women members.  The Sub-Committee carries out all sanitation related activities to bring the change in the sanitation status of the project area and also motivating the beneficiaries for individual tap connection. 

WUSC office has been established in the guard house and the secretariat is running with seven paid regular staff headed by an Accountant. Parsa Town is the first one to receive technical training. It is reported that out of the 12 persons that received training on mason and plumber 4 have been recruited in foreign jobs. Compared to the design, Parsa Town has employed two less technical staff and one more administrative staff. Due to insufficient technical staff the plumber and guard are also performing the job of a meter reader. The scale of salary fixed by the WUSCs generally falls within the range proposed by the Design Report; however, most of the staffs are paid below the proposed rate.

The institutional sustainability of the Town Project was also tried to assess from the perception of the individual beneficiaries asking their knowledge about WUSC and satisfaction over their performance. The survey findings reveal that almost 60 percent people are aware about the function, role and responsibility of the WUSC.  Interestingly, the knowledge about the function of WUSC is found lower among Dalit (18%). A lower percentage of sample households (13%) expressed full satisfaction over the performance of WUSC. However, a large majority (83 %) noted that they are moderately satisfied with the performance of WUSC 

Some 36 percent households interviewed have also provided suggestions for the improvement of WUSC activities/performance. Among the major suggestion provided by the users, development of liquid and waste management, development of sewerage system, support to poor people for tap connection and latrine connections, timely maintenance of leakages, timely repair and maintenance of the system, continuation of awareness building programmes and support for IGA activities are major.

Regarding the overall sustainability, majority of the beneficiary households (93%) consider the project to be sustainable based on the workmanship, quality of material used, quality of services and quality of water.  Fewer households (7%) have ranked the project due mainly to the financial liability of the WUSC

3. Conclusion and Recommendation

The Parsa Small Town Project can be considered a moderately successful project considering its reliability of services, technical issue, financial status and trends towards sustainability. The project has met 64 percent of its target by March 23, 2007.  Twenty-four hour clean and quality water is served. People have been benefited moderately from the delivery of clean and safe drinking water and health awareness training and awareness program.

The impact of the services can be seen in their water uses pattern, quantity and change in sanitation behaviors. As a result of school toilet construction, school enrollment has been realized to be increased and the HHE trainings and campaign has contributed in the households and surrounding environmental. More than 84 percent household without toilet has been served with toilet facility.

In spite of the fact that, the project has poorly covered the indigenous Tharu community and has been unable to generate desired amount of income for repayment of loan.   The WUSC has earned only 25 percent of the income proposed in the design. The present trend of regular monthly income and the tariff rate both are below the expectation.  Consequently, the financial sustainability of the project is in doubt. Hence, following measures have been recommended for the long-term sustainability of the town project.

I. Background

Government of Nepal (GoN) with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) is implementing Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (STWSSSP) during the period 2001-2008.  The Small Towns are defined by GoN under different criteria of population and access of facilities .The STWSSSP is a part of the 15-year plan for small towns' water supply and sanitation development in the country. The Project is under implementation in the 30 Small Towns of Nepal during 2001-2008 and 209 Small Towns will be covered by 2015 as per national Millennium Development (MDG) Goal.

The main goal of STWSSSP is to enhance human development and reduce poverty through sustainable improvement of the water supply and sanitation conditions in the Small Towns of Nepal. The project aims to provide water supply, limited drainage, and sanitation facilities in selected small towns following a demand-driven, interactive procedure that ensures full participation of the local water users in the formulation, implementation and operation and maintenance of the town projects.

Project Benefit Monitoring and Evaluation (BME) are considered as a key Project component of the STWSSSP.  The key objective of the internal BME is to assess the delivery of services, use of services, immediate beneficial impact and sustainability after its completion.
Khairenitar Town Project is one of the emerging town of Tanhun districts, Gandaki Zone, Western Nepal. The opening of Prithibi Rajmarga and migration of the people from surrounding hill sides and crossing of highway from mid-part of Khairenitar has paved the way for rapid urbanization in Kahirenitar. The Small Town Projects cover two wards (ward 8 and 9) of Khairenirtar VDC. The baseline households and population of the area is estimated to be 808 and 4223 with the average family size of 5.2.  The dominant ethnic/caste groups of the project area are Brahmin/Chhetri / Thakuri (49.1%) followed by Gurung (16.5%), Newar (15.7%), Dalit (8.9%), Magar (8.8%) and other (1%). Of the total Project Area households 3.4 percent (28 number ) fall below the poverty line income range ( i.e. < Rs 3000/month). More than 70 percent of the population in the area was relying on community public taps for drinking water before the Small Town Project

In order to achieve the BME objective, the BME survey is executed collecting quantitative and qualitative data from secondary and primary sources of information. The primary information was collected by launching household survey (for quantitative data) and adopting Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) technique for qualitative information.  Among the various PRA tools, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview, Case Study, observation etc were applied. Similarly, secondary information was collected through collection and review of Progress Reports, Baseline data, NGO Report, Monitoring/Visit Report records maintained by WUSC, TPO and PMO etc.  Altogether 15 members from multidisciplinary fields were involved in the study. Of the total team members 27 percent were women.

About 16 percent beneficiary households (127 numbers) were selected randomly for the household interview.  Among the selected households 15 percent were women headed households. Of the total sample 31 percent belong to higher caste such as Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri, 59 percent Adibasi/Janjati and 10 percent Dalit. Similarly,  by tap connection type 68 percent sample represent yard  type connection, 23 percent fully plumbed connection, 5.5 percent community taps and 3 percent others who often use others tap or traditional sources.

The analysis of data was made using Microsoft Access 2000 file format which includes Visual Basic and SQL programming. The analysis is presented using simple statistical methods like averages, percentage etc. Wherever appropriate the data is presented in pictorial forms.   Before and after situation comparison are made wherever possible. A comparative of analysis of delivery of services, use of the services, perceived change and benefits etc is analyzed with regards to three broad parameters in most of the cases:

The Evaluation Report is organized in four broad chapters. Chapter 1 provides the background information about the STWSSSP study objective, study approach and limitations. Chapter II records brief overview of the project area with regards to the baseline scenario.  Chapter III highlights on the findings   with respect to delivery of services, use of services and immediate benefit and impact, sustainability trend and Chapter IV recommends the measures for future course of actions. The study is conducted under different limitations such as timing, resources, size of respondents, professional, etc

II.         Study Findings

2.1           Delivery of Services

The Kahirenitar Town Project is planned and implemented as per the process of Small Town under which various stakeholders such as MPPW, DWSS, PMO, EDC, NGO, and WUSC etc are involved. The WUSC plays important role in the implementation of the Town Project by supervising the construction works. In Khairenitar the WUSC had formed 13 members Construction Supervision Sub-Committee during the implementation of the project and 7 members Advisory Committee. For the smooth operation of the project nine members Executing Committee, three members Account Committee and 13 members Advisory Committee are formed. The office is running through eight regular paid staff.

Altogether 800 taps has been connected in the project area out of the 426 number of target set in the base year (2006) and 823 (808 individual and 23 institutional) in the design year (2021),  meeting  188 percent of the set target compared to the base year and 96 percent with respect to the design year.  Although there was no provision of community tap during base year and design year 5 community taps are installed as per the demand of urban-poor.  Three institutional taps are installed in schools and Aurvedic Centre. Almost a quarter of taps connected by an individual household are converted into fully plumed type.

The WUSC has reported that the water is sufficient for 24 hour delivery and generally 24 hour service is arranged.  However, few households of the Bhotepani and Milan Tole of ward number 9 and Kumal Gaun of Ward number 8, during the household survey reported that the water is delivered for 8 hours a day (4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening). The WUSC remarked that due to valve problems some times the water supply has to be controlled for limited hours.  The Project is producing 150 percent of the water production against the target of base year. However, the target of water consumption is met by only 7.4 percent.

Among the total 808 households, the NGO has identified 28 as urban poor (households having income less than Rs 3,000/ month. Out of 28 urban poor households 26 are reported to be supported with subsidy facility for toilet construction, meeting 100 percent of the target. Similarly, after awareness campaigns conducted by the NGO 47 non-poor households have also constructed latrines and met 65 percent target of non-poor households. In totality, the Town has achieved 75 percent of target with regards to the toilet construction.
 Besides the households toilet 3 school toilets and 2 public toilets are also constructed with project support which are under use and the cleanliness condition of these public toilets is assessed to be clean in 90 percent cases.

Large majority of the sample households (98 %) of the households have reported to have toilet facility and it is found that 86 percent of the households had constructed the toilet before the project.  Almost equal number of households reported that they constructed the toilet with the subsidy of the project (3.9%) and due to awareness created by the project (3.2%). Five percent of the households were encouraged to build toilet from other agencies, mainly from the support of women cooperatives promoted by Women Development Section. Slightly more than two percent households reported lack of toilet facility.

The cleanliness condition of the household toilet as observed by Field Enumerator is found clean in 48 percent cases, average in 47 percent cases and dirty in 2.4 percent cases.

The project has launched different types of HHE trainings and health awareness campaigns in the Project Town involving a NGO, NSSC to aware and empowers the WUSC members and the beneficiaries on the maters related to health, personal and domestic hygiene water use and management etc.  Altogether 646 persons (15% of total population) were participated in such programmes. Of the total participants 18.4 percent participated in HHE trainings, 71.4 percent participated in the health awareness campaign and 10.2 percent participated in other programmes. In the total training and awareness related programmes, the participation of women is found to be 46.4 percent with the highest participation in the HHE trainings and lowest in other programmes (21.2%).  

The HHE trainings are evaluated as most useful by 44 percent respondents. However, majority of the households in case of  Community Action Plan ( CAP) ( 100%),  Public Awareness Campaign ( PAC) ( 86%), WUSC training ( 75%) and HHE training ( 56%)  consider these  to be moderate.  Limited duration, coverage of limited people, lack of refresher trainings etc are noted to be some of the reasons for such an assessment. 

Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion is an innovative approach of the Small Town Project. Accordingly, participation of women members are made mandatory in each stage of project cycles including representation in WUSC. Altogether 365 women (18% of total women population) have participated in different project related activities so far, in the Khairenitar Town Project. The highest level of women participation is recorded for HHE training (55.5%) and lowest in doing main agreement (15.4%). Three women members are also representing in the WUSC.

According to household survey, 35 percent of the households members either men or women were participated in the project related activities. The participation level is recorded to be higher within upper caste (43.6%), within women headed households (36.8%) and within fully plumed households (44.8%).

The participation level of women in project activities varies by ethnicity/caste and location. The level of participation of Kumal women for instance is found to be minimal (16%) and poor compared to other (46%).

Community taps, subsidized latrine and installment payment for private tap connection are the other measures adopted by Khairenitar Town Project for social inclusion of poor and disadvantaged communities.  The five community taps installed in the area are used mainly by the 18 households and 94 population of pro-poor and Dalit and Adibashi/Janjat. Similarly, 21 pro-poor family members were given discount in the private tap installment fee (Rs 7,800 instead of Rs 12,200) and two year installment facility for joining the tap by depositing initial amount of Rs 1,000.  As per WUSC all of these 21 people have already installed private tap in their yard. Similarly, 100 percent pro-poor identified without latrine have been facilitated with the latrine construction.

The Khairenitar Town Project has adopted appropriate land acquisition, compensation and resettlement measures when acquiring water source, land for reservoir site, transmission and distribution lines. In this regard 11 ropani of private land was purchased in intake paying Rs 300,000, an area of 3.5 ropani was purchased for RVT site paying Rs 262,500. Similarly crop compensation for 300 metre of transmission line was also paid. The Environmental Monitoring Team (Dec2006) has proposed some mitigation measures in the critical area.

2.2           Use of Services, Perceived Changes and Benefit
The water consumption pattern for different purposes has been found increased in majority of the cases (57%) after the service available from the Town Project.  The average water uses for drinking purpose alone is estimated to be 18.2 liters/day/family. Seventy four percent of the project beneficiaries remarked that the water utilization for bathing purpose has been increased than before.  Average use of water for bathing purpose is estimated to be 86.3 liters/day/HH, which is increased by 29 percent compared to baseline situation (65 liters/day/HH ).

Eighty percent of the households have stated that   the water use for washing cloths and utensils has also been increased. The average water utilization rate for the bathing purpose is estimated to be 127.2 liters/day/HH.It is found that the Dalits, female headed households and other source users are consuming more water than the average figure of water consumption for washing purpose. The average water consumption of these groups is calculated to be 223.1 litres/day/ HH, 130 liters/day/HH and 155 liters/day/HH   respectively.
The total water consumption for drinking, bathing and washing, thus, is increased to 231 litres/day/HH compared to 143 liters/day/HH in baseline situation, indicating 62 percent increase.

Increase in the water use pattern for livestock is reported by 40 percent while majority of the households (58%) claim that the livestock consumption of water remains to be the same.  The upper caste, male headed households and private (yard type) users consume more than average water for livestock.  Fifty seven percent households have stated that water use for kitchen garden has been increased. The average delivery of water for kitchen garden is estimated to be 28 liters/day/HH. The type of households that are flowing maximum quantity of water for kitchen garden is recorded for upper caste households (47litre/day/HH) and Dalit households (38litre.day/HH);   male headed households (30.3 liters/day/HH) and fully plumed households (59 liters/day/HH).

Saving in water fetching time is one of the important benefits perceived by the Small Town Project.   As per the households survey, average time saved after the project is  estimated to be 63 minutes which is almost 50 percent reduction compared to baseline situation. The maximum water time saving is ascertained by Dalit (90 minutes/day/HH) and community tap user households (82 minutes/day/HH). In certain area the beneficiaries have declared saving of 3 hour/day (women group of Bhotepani, Khairenitar-9) to 5 hour /day (women group of Kumal Gaun , Khairenitar- 8).
Despite the fact, only 16 percent households have reported that they have been utilizing the saved time for income generating activities (IGA). Two of the households also recorded average earning of Rs 3,000/annum from the IGA activity, mainly vegetable production and sale.    Few other women members were also found executing commercial vegetable farming and earning up to Rs 15,000/annum.  Other reported use of time for child care, rest, care of livestock, care of olders etc.

Health campaigns and training programs conducted have definitely shown good impact on the community people, as they seem to have adopted healthful practice such as personal hygiene, food hygiene, cleanliness of kitchen, rooms and surroundings, etc. Some of the statistical findings drawn from the household survey further justify the outcome of awareness and training activities.

A large majority of the households (95%) use toilet for defecation. Almost 50 percent of the household have reported use of waste water for different purposes.  Among those utilizing waste water, 87 percent are using for kitchen garden, 5 percent for livestock and 8 percent for other purposes.
Ninety one percent households have reported that the hand washing practices has been increased among the community members. Increase in such habits is reported higher among Adibasi/Janjati (94%) and female headed households (95%) among other category of households.
Similarly, 90 percent households have reported increase in bathing habits. Among the different categories of households the perceived change is reported higher by female headed households ( 95%) compared to male headed households ( 89%). It is reported that the majority of the population takes bath twice a week, 32 percent incase of men, 39 percent in case of women and 34 percent in case of children.   The percentage of men and women bathing twice a week before the project is increased by 18 and 14 percent after the project.  Similarly, number of children taking bath once a week is decreased by 21 percent and  this number of children have started to take daily bath.

The incidence of water born diseases is also reported to be decreased by 48 percent households. The reporting percentage is found higher among Adibashi/Janjati ( 56%) , female headed households  ( 54%) and fully plumed type of households ( 78%)
The gender empowerment status has been improved moderately in the project area. According the household survey, 46 percent households have reported increase in the self respect among women due to their mandatory representation in the WUSC, encouragement and motivation for participation in project activities etc.  A higher percentage of Increase in self-respect is reported by Dalit households (67%) among other.  Interestingly, compared to male headed households (48.6%) lesser number of female households (35.7%) feels increase in self respect of women.
The increase in self confidence among women is reported to be increased by 63 percent of the sample households and the reporting percentage is found higher among Dalit households. Compared to self respect and confidence among women change in leadership has been reported increased by lower percentage of households (only by 33 %). However, higher percentage of households reporting increase in leadership development of women is found among Dalit (50%) and upper caste (45%) households. The social and cultural aspect and education level are reported to be main factors of slow progress in leadership quality of women.

The number of households reporting improved women participation in new activities is stated by 39 percent households.   The participation level is reported higher among both upper caste and Dalit and community tap users (50% each) (Table 3.31).  The types of activities in which women’s participation is reported to be improved includes mainly in vegetable framings, savings, educating children etc.

During the field survey 10 percent household reported realization of increment in school enrollment after the construction of school toilet. Similarly, the construction of surface drainage in the area has improved the market area environment. However, the drainage system is still considered insufficient by the WUSC. The stakeholders workshop conducted at Khairenitar has also confirmed numbers of positive benefits from the Small Town Project.

2.3           Sustainability of the Project

The sustainability of the Khairenitar Small Town is assessed based on three major indicators namely technical quality and reliability of the project, financial   capacity and institutional capacity.  The field verification report of the technical team has noted the quality of the work to be at standard level and good and implemented as per the design. However, poor functioning of pressure filter is noted particularly during rainy season. Similarly, poor functioning of water meter is reported by WUSC and beneficiaries.  The perception of the sample household regarding technical aspect of the project is described below:

Two third of the households have assessed the water supply to be regular.  The largest number of households reporting regular supply is   found among the Dalit (77%) and female headed households (74%).  One thirds of the households have complained that the water supply is irregular. As mentioned earlier, despite the capacity of the project to supply 24 hour supply water supply is restricted in certain area for 8 hours. With regards to the quality of water supplied by the project,  93 percent household ascertain the quality to be clean, while 3.9 percent noted the water quality to be stink and 3.2 percent  turbid . Regarding the household’s perception on the overall reliability of the project 54 percent considered the project as reliable while 46 consider it as unreliable.  The key reason for assessing the project to be unreliable by a significant number of household is the poor functioning of pressure filter.

Despite several support services by the project to the WUSC, they are not imparted any technical trainings for operation and maintenance training to its technical staff, which is also a part of the project.

The total financial cost of the project including storm water drainage was estimated at Rs 21,024,039.  Based on this cost, the per capita water supply construction cost is estimated to be Rs. 4978.The actual cost of the project reveals that the project has been constructed by 3 percent below than the original estimation.  The household survey reveals that 20 percent household deposited upfront cash while 80 percent paid the amount only during implementation phase.  The average amount of upfront cash and cash paid during implementation is estimated to be Rs 3,998 /HH and Rs 8,200/ HH.

The tariff rate fixed   by Khairenitar WUSC   between Rs 2.67/m3- Rs 7/m3 based on water volume consumption is far below than the proposed in the design (Rs 14.06/m3). Further considering the volume of water a household is allowed to consume under minimum charge ( i.e. Rs 40 for 15M3 of water/month)  there is less chance of increase in the tariff rate than  Rs 2.67/m3.  The WUSC has reduced the water tariff drastically  with the assumption that  the low tariff rate will encourage the beneficiaries to use more water for different purposes  and once they are tend to use more water the WUSC will increase the water tariff. But practically increasing water tariff is not as easy as perceived by the WUSC.  Because, 51 percent households still consider the water tariff to be high and among them the ratio of upper caste is high (54%).

This has raised a serious question on the financial sustainability of the project although the WUSC has already paid 36 percent of TDF capital loan from its balance income of previous system. Khairenitar has derived 48 percent of expected income, In case of expenditure; the Town has maintained the expenditure 17 percent below the design.

The institutional sustainability is assessed based on the human resources, WUSC capacity for O&M, recording and office management etc. The WUSC Office is running with 8 regular paid staff headed by an Accountant. One additional administrative staff is employed compared to the design. The scale of salary fixed by the WUSCs generally falls within the range proposed by the Design Report; however, most of the staffs are paid below the proposed rate. The survey findings reveal that only 16 percent people are aware about the function, role and responsibility of the WUSC.  Interestingly, the knowledge about the function of WUSC is found higher among community tap users (50%).  

 None of the sample households expressed full satisfaction over the performance of WUSC. However, a large majority (83 %) noted that they are moderately satisfied with the performance of WUSC. A significant number of households (17%) also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of WUSC. Those who expressed their dissatisfaction noted their reason of dissatisfaction to be due to untimely maintenance, irregular water delivery in the height area ( e.g.  Bagaincha Tole, Khaireni-9) etc.

Some 38 percent households interviewed have also provided suggestions for the improvement of WUSC activities/performance. Those advising to the WUSC are found highest among upper caste (53.9%) other types of source users (100%) and community tap users (57%).

Among the major suggestion provided by the users 24 hour water delivery in each  and every place of the area, reduction in fine,  trainings related to waste water management and vegetable farming, timely maintenance etc are demanded by most of the households.
Regarding the overall sustainability, majority of the beneficiary households (81%) consider the project to be sustainable. Those who rank the project as un-sustainable (19%), argue that the project can be made sustainable provided that numbers of remedial measures have to be adopted by the project.

III.        Conclusions and Recommendation

The Khairenitar Small Town Project can be considered a successful project considering the role played by each of the stakeholders, timely completion of the work, delivery of services, use of services, perceived benefits and trends towards sustainability. People have been benefited significantly from the delivery of clean and safe drinking water and health awareness training and awareness program.
The impact of the services can be seen in their water uses pattern, quantity and pattern and change in sanitation behaviors. As a result of school toilet construction, school enrollment has been realized to be increased and construction of public toilet and surface drainage has contributed towards better environment of the street and urban surroundings. The poor and disadvantaged groups have been benefited from community taps, subsidized private tap and construction in-premise latrines. The saving time is used for IGA and family care activities.  The spill over effect of the project is seen in the nearby area as a result   neighboring Dulegaunda Bazar also demanding such type of project.  The WUSC has paid 35 percent of capital loan amount. Despite the fact following measures have been recommended for the long-term sustainability of the town project.

I. Background

Government of Nepal (GoN) with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) is implementing Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (STWSSSP) during the period 2001-2008.  The Small Towns are defined by GoN under different criteria of population and access of facilities .The STWSSSP is a part of the 15-year plan for small towns' water supply and sanitation development in the country. The Project is under implementation in the 30 Small Towns of Nepal during 2001-2008 and 209 Small Towns will be covered by 2015 as per national Millennium Development (MDG) Goal.

The main goal of STWSSSP is to enhance human development and reduce poverty through sustainable improvement of the water supply and sanitation conditions in the Small Towns of Nepal. The project aims to provide water supply, limited drainage, and sanitation facilities in selected small towns following a demand-driven, interactive procedure that ensures full participation of the local water users in the formulation, implementation and operation and maintenance of the town projects.

Project Benefit Monitoring and Evaluation (BME) are considered as a key Project component of the STWSSSP.  The key objective of the internal BME is to assess the delivery of services, use of services, immediate beneficial impact and sustainability after its completion.
Situated in Tanhun districts, Gandaki Zone, Western Nepal, Bandipur is one of the famous and oldest towns of Nepal It is located on a wide saddle hilltop some 7 km south of Dumre bazar on Prithivihighway in the southeast part of Tahanun. It is the old District headquarters of Tanahun district and remained as district headquarters up to 2025 BS.  The commercial value of this town dropped drastically due to the various reasons like resettlement of Chitwan, shifting of district headquarters to Damauli, construction of Prithiwi highway touching its downhill, opening of Narayanghat-Gorkha road etc. Located at 3806 feet above mean sea level ( msl) , Bandipur is an attractive tourist place due to its surrounded hills, valleys and panoramic snow mountain view and typical traditional Newari culture.

The Bandipur Small Town Project covers seven wards ( i.e ward 1,3,4,5,6,7 and 9) of Bandipur VDC. The baseline households and population of the area is estimated to be 597 and 3710 with the average family size of 6.2 .  The dominant ethnic/caste groups of the project area are Newar (32.65%) followed by Gurung (28.9%), Dalit (17.29%), Brahmin (7.85%), Gaines (1.14%) and Ghartis (0.8%) respectively. Of the total Project Area households 38.4 percent (229 number ) fall below the poverty line income range ( i.e. < Rs 3000/month)
In order to achieve the BME objective, the BME survey is executed collecting quantitative and qualitative data from secondary and primary sources of information. The primary information was collected by launching household survey (for quantitative data) and adopting Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) technique for qualitative information.  Among the various PRA tools, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview, Case Study, observation etc were applied. Similarly, secondary information was collected through collection and review of Progress Reports, Baseline data, NGO Report, Monitoring/Visit Report records maintained by WUSC, TPO and PMO etc.  Altogether 15 members from multidisciplinary fields were involved in the study. Of the total team members 27 percent were women.

About 18 percent beneficiary households (107 numbers) were selected randomly for the household interview.  Among the selected households 20 percent were women headed households. Of the total sample 16 percent belong to higher caste such as Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri, 64 percent Adibasi/Janjati and 21 percent Dalit. Similarly,  by tap connection type 44 percent sample represent yard  type connection, 26 percent fully plumbed connection, 23 percent community taps and 7 percent others who often use others common tap or traditional sources.

The analysis of data was made using Microsoft Access 2000 file format which includes Visual Basic and SQL programming. The analysis is presented using simple statistical methods like averages, percentage etc. Wherever appropriate the data is presented in pictorial forms.   Before and after situation comparison are made wherever possible. A comparative of analysis of delivery of services, use of the services, perceived change and benefits etc is analyzed with regards to three broad parameters in most of the cases:

The Evaluation Report is organized in four broad chapters. Chapter 1 provides the background information about the STWSSSP study objective, study approach and limitations. Chapter II records brief overview of the project area with regards to the baseline scenario.  Chapter III highlights on the findings   with respect to delivery of services, use of services and immediate benefit and impact, sustainability trend and Chapter IV recommends the measures for future course of actions. The study is conducted under different limitations such as timing, resources, size of respondents, professional, etc

II. Study Findings

2.1 Delivery of Services

The Bandipur Town Project was planned and implemented as per the process of Small Town under which various stakeholders such as MPPW, DOWsS, PMO, EDC, NGO, and WUSC etc are involved. The WUSC plays important role in the implementation of the Town Project by supervising the construction works. In Bandipur, the WUSC formed different committees during implementation. For the smooth operation of the project eleven members Executing Committee is formed which is running its activities with five regular paid staff. The office has constructed its own building.
Altogether 403 taps have been connected in the project area out of the 563 number of target set in the base year (2005), meeting 71.6 percent of the target set. Among the different types of taps, 88 percent of the target set for private taps, 61 percent of the community tap and 30 percent of the institutional tap has been met by the project. The target of population coverage by the private tap is recorded to be 76 percent compared to base year.
The WUSC has reported that the water is in-sufficient for 24 hour delivery and generally 2-6 hour service is arranged.  Leakage of water in different parts of the project area (mainly in ward no.7 and 9) and air pressure problems are reported to be the main reason for inadequate water collection in the distribution tank and limited hour supply.
The Project is producing 48 percent of the water production against the target of base year. However, the target of water consumption is met by only70.5 percent.
Out of 229 poor households 225 are reported to be supported with subsidy facility for toilet construction, meeting 98.3 percent of the target. Similarly, after awareness campaigns conducted by the NGO 40 non-poor households have also constructed latrines and met 100 percent target of non-poor households. 3 school toilets and 3 public toilets are also constructed with project support.  The cleanliness condition of these public toilets are assessed to be average for two toilets and poor for one toilet located in Tindhara due to  the lack of water in the toilet.
97 percent of the sample households have reported existence of in-premise toilet and it is found that 60 percent of the households had constructed the toilet before the project.  Almost one third of households reported that they constructed the toilet with the subsidy of the project (30.8%). Similarly, 4 percent of the households had constructed the toilet as a result of awareness created by the project. The cleanliness condition of the household toilet as observed by Field Enumerator is found  to be clean in 78 percent cases, average in 21 percent cases and dirty in one percent cases.

Altogether 1512 persons (41% of total population) were participated in HHE trainings and health awareness related programmes. Of the total participants 6.0 percent participated in HHE trainings, 91.2 percent participated in the health awareness campaign and 2.8 percent participated in other programmes. In the total training and awareness related programmes, the participation of women is found to be 50.1 percent with the highest participation in the HHE trainings (61.5%) and lowest in other programmes (28.6%).
Among the different trainings imparted by the project, the HHE trainings are evaluated as highly useful by 53 percent respondents. However,  cent percent  participants  in case of  Community Action Plan (CAP),  Public Awareness Campaign ( PAC) , WUSC training ( 100%) and 47 percent in case of  HHE training ( 47%)   have  ranked the training to be moderate.  Limited duration, coverage of limited people, lack of refresher trainings etc are noted to be some of the reasons for such an assessment. 

Altogether 938 (52% of total women population of service area) have participated in key project related activities so far, in the Bandipur Town Project. Among the various types of activities,  the ratio of women participation is recorded to be highest  in HHE training (61%) and lowest in doing  preliminary and main  agreement (23 % each). According to household survey, 41 percent of the households members either men or women were participated in the project related activities.  Among the different category of households, the participation level is recorded to be higher within upper caste households (58.8%) and Dalits (50%); within male headed households (44.2%) and within yard type households (53.2).
The participation level of women in project activities varies by ethnicity/caste and location. The level of participation of non-poor and Dalits has been found encouraging in some of the cluster of the project compared to non-poor households. This indicates that the Dalits were facing more hardship of water than other in the project area before the project.

Community taps, subsidized latrine and installment payment for private tap connection are the other measures adopted by Bandipur Town Project for social inclusion of poor and disadvantaged communities.   Eleven public taps and eight community taps are installed to facilitate the poor community. Similarly, the installation charge for the residence of ward number 7 and 9 is reduced by 50 percent to encourage installation of individual taps who are using drinking water from the old drinking water system for almost 4.5 decade free of cost. Similarly, large majority of the pro-poor households without latrine (98%) identified during baseline have been facilitated with the latrine construction.
A number of environmental related hazards mainly flood risk, sliding in 33 places of the transmission line, liquid drainage problem etc are reported in the project area. The intake area of Bandipur was affected by flood of 2052 BS which had swept away the transmission pipe of the old system.  

2.2          Use of Services, Perceived Changes and Benefit

The number of households connecting private tap in Bandipur Town project has reached to 44 percent after project compared to 17 percent in the baseline situation. Despite significant increase of the private tap users compared to baseline situation (159% increases), still 56 percent households of the project rely on community taps, public taps and traditional sources.  The main cause of low private tap connection is reported to be the unwillingness of the households of ward number 7 and 9 to pay for water who are using water free of cost for last 4.5 decade.
The water consumption pattern for different purposes has been found increased in majority of the cases after the service available from the Town Project.  Around 60 percent of the surveyed households have reported that the amount of water for drinking and cooking by the family members have been increased after the project. The use of water for drinking and cooking has been increases to average 62 liter/day after the project compared to 53 liter /day /HH in the baseline situation indicating 17 percent increase.

Sixty six percent of the project beneficiaries remarked   that the water utilization for bathing and washing purpose has been increased than before.  Average use of water for bathing and washing purpose is estimated to be 84.1 liters/day/HH which is increased by 6 percent compared to baseline situation (79 liters/day/HH).The amount of water used for bathing and washing purposes in Bandipur is found significantly lower due mainly to altitude, climatic condign (normally cold climate) and frequency of bathing, lack of 24 hour supply etc.

Increase in the water use pattern for livestock is reported by 52 percent households while 43 percent of them claim that the livestock consumption of water remains to be the same.  The upper caste, male headed households and other source users consume more than average water for livestock.
Sixty six percent households have stated that water use for kitchen garden has been increased. The average delivery of water for kitchen garden, however, is not much (10 litre/day/HH). The type of households that are flowing maximum quantity of water for kitchen garden is recorded for upper caste households ( 22 litre/day/HH) and female headed households (14.4litre/day/HH).

Saving in water fetching time is one of the important benefits perceived by the Small Town Project.   76 percent of the survey households have reported saving of water fetching time. Average time saved after the project is estimated to be 50 minutes /day/HH. According to the baseline survey, a household was spending 168 minutes-210 minutes /day to fetch water.

The maximum water time saving is ascertained by Dalit (74 minutes/day/HH) and  private tap users ( yard type- 57 minutes/day/HH) . In certain area the beneficiaries have affirmed saving of up to 2 hour time /day (Pro-poor women group of Depcha Gaun, Bandipur -3).
Despite the fact, only 15 percent households have reported that they have been utilizing the saved time for income generating activities (IGA ). Out of the 16 households reporting execution of IGA, 3 households (19 %) reported that they also obtaining cash from the IGA activities. The average earning reported by these households is Rs 5,683. During the Key Informant Interview two of the women members also recorded average earning of Rs 4,000-8,000/annum from the IGA activity, mainly vegetable production and sale  .  Other reported use of time for child care, rest, care of livestock, care of elders etc.

The health campaigns and training programs conducted by the project have shown positive impact on the community people, as they seem to have adopted healthful practice such as personal hygiene, food hygiene, cleanliness of kitchen, rooms and surroundings, etc. The number of households not having latrine is reduced to 16.6 percent after the project compared to 35.8 percent before the project and 94 percent households use toilet for defecation. Forty five percent of the survey households have reported use of waste water for different purposes.  Among those utilizing waste water, 87 percent are using for kitchen garden, 6 percent for livestock and 6 percent for other purposes.

The sanitation related awareness activities has various positive implications on the personal hygiene behavior of the community.  78 percent households have reported that the hand washing practices has been increased among the community members. Similarly, 72 percent households have reported increase in bathing habits. Among the different categories of households the perceived change is reported higher by upper caste households (82%) and female headed households (86%).

It is reported that the majority of the population (48% each in case of men and women and 67 % in case of children)) takes bath once a week.  The second largest number of household reporting frequency of bath within a week is twice (30% incase of men and 32% in case of women). Very fewer percentages of men (3%), women (1%) and children (1%) were reported taking daily bath. A significant number of populations in the project area (15% in case of men, 11% incase of women and 20% in case of children) also reported bathing practices above seven days due to cold, age, etc. The percentage of men, women and children taking bath twice a week after the project has been increased significantly compared to baseline situation. The incidence of water borne diseases is also reported to be decreased by 46 percent households. The reporting percentage is found higher among upper caste (77%), male headed households (56%) and yard type of households (72%).

The gender empowerment status has been improved moderately in the project area. According to the household survey, 86 percent households have reported increase in the self respect among women due to their mandatory representation in the WUSC, encouragement and motivation for participation in project activities etc.  A higher percentage of Increase in self-respect is reported by Adibassi/Janjati households (90.2%), community tap users (90%) and female headed households ( 88%) among others.

The increase in self confidence among women is reported to be increased by 84 percent of the sample households and the reporting percentage is found lowest among Dalit households (68.8%).  Compared to self respect and confidence among women change in leadership has been reported increased by lower percentage of households (only by 51 %). However, higher percentage of households reporting increase in leadership development of women is found among upper caste households (70%). The social and cultural aspect and education level are reported to be main factors of slow progress in leadership quality of women. None of the households reporting improved women participation in new activities except in development of kitchen garden and goat rearing, savings, educating children etc. During the field survey 45 percent household reported realization of increment in school enrollment after the construction of school toilet.  The beneficiaries also noted significant increase in hotels and restaurant and flow of tourist due to regularity of water.

2.3          Sustainability of the Project
The sustainability of the Bandipur Small Town is assessed based on three major indicators namely technical quality and reliability of the project, financial   capacity and institutional capacity.

The field report of the technical team has noted the quality of the work to be at standard level and good and implemented as per the design. However, number of deficienciencies seen at the field level has hindered the quality and 24 hour water services. The leakage in several places and air pressure problems are noted to be the main causes of supplying water from collection chamber to the distribution tank. According to the WUSC member, sometimes it took two days to transfer the water from the collection chamber to the distribution tank.  Therefore, the water delivery service in the project area is not regular and the supply hour is limited between 2 and 7 hours a day.  Despite several complains of the WUSC to the concerning stakeholders, the technical problems of the WUSC remains unsolved. According to the household survey, almost two third of the households have assessed the water supply to be irregular.   The number of households complaining about the irregularity of the service is almost same among different category of households.

With regards to the quality of water supplied by the project,  80 percent household ascertain the quality to be clean, while 19 percent noted the water quality to be turbid and 1.0 percent  stink.  The FGD further revel that, the qualities of water from two different sources differ significantly. The water of old source is clear and tasty, while the water of new source is a little bit red and taste is also not good as the old source.
Despite several support services by the project to the WUSC, they are not imparted any technical trainings for operation and maintenance training to its technical staff, which is also a part of the project. Besides, as reported by the WUSC members and the technical team, the WUSC lack minimum tools to maintain the minimum damages /default of the project by its technicians at the field level.

Regarding the household’s perception on the overall technical reliability of the project only 41 percent considered the project as reliable while the majority (59%) consider the project to be unreliable.  The key reason for assessing the project to be unreliable by a significant number of household is the poor service delivery.

The actual cost of the project (Rs 20,040,489) reveals that the project has been constructed by 0.8 percent lower than the original estimate and 1.31 percent higher than the contract amount. The per capita cost based on the actual cost is calculated to be Rs 5,134 which is slightly lower that the original estimate (Rs 5199).

The tariff rate fixed   by Bandipur WUSC   varies between Rs 7.0/m3 and Rs 25.0/m3 based on volume of water consumed by a household compared to Rs 13.50/m3 proposed in the design.  The water tariff fixed ( Rs 65 lumpsum  or Rs 13/m3) for minimum volume of water consumption in a month ( 5m3)  generally matches with the design. However, majority of the consumers fall in the water consumption category of 10.001-15 m3 for which the rate is determined at Rs 7.0/m3. Thus, the rate tariff rate to be paid by majority of the consumers fall 50 percent below than the design rate. 51 percent households consider the water tariff to be high and. Among the different category of households, the ratio of households claiming the water tariff to be high is recorded among Dalit (61%), female headed households ( 58%),  and community tap users ( 71%). The survey result also reveals that majority (76%) are paying the water tariff timely.

The reluctancy of the water users of ward number 7 and 9 joining the private tap paying the water tariff has put the WUSC in trouble. The WUSC has declared various concessional measures to attract them. The above facts have raised a serious question on the financial sustainability of the project. The project has borrowed an amount of Rs 5,934,523 and all amount remains to be paid. The total loan to be paid by the WUSC now reaches to Rs 6257833 (Rs 5,934,523 capitals and Rs 323,310 interest).  The WUSC has a total saving of Rs 240,000 of which, Rs 175,000 remains in the Nepal Bank Limited. The average regular monthly income, expenditure and surplus are calculated to be Rs 36,841 Rs 33,414 and Rs 3,418 respectively. The WUSC is deriving a significant income from the tap installation charge (including 20 % contribution) to date. This trend will however, will stop soon once the target of private tap installation is completed. Therefore, the WUSC will have very minimum amount of saving in the days to come to pay for TDF loan. The latest monthly income and expenditure pattern of Banipur Town ( Paush 2063) reveal that the Town has  derived 59 percent of expected income. In case of expenditure; the Town has maintained the expenditure 23 percent below the design.  Based on these indicators, the overall financial sustainability of Bandipur Town Project has been found critical.

The institutional sustainability is assessed based on the human resources, WUSC capacity for O&M, recording and office management etc.  The Project is being managed by an eleven member executing committee.  The number of committee has been increased from nine members during registration to 11 members for the reasonable participation in the executing committee. According to the beneficiaries, changing of old Treasurer and Secretary and the plan of Chairperson to migrate in UK may have some difficulties in the smooth operation of the project in the days to come. WUSC has its own office building and secretariat with five paid regular staff headed by an Accountant.  These staff have not received an technical trainings from the project, although, they are performing their duty based on their previous experience in the similar nature of jobs.
The Household Survey findings reveal that only 38 percent people are aware about the function, role and responsibility of the WUSC.  Interestingly, the knowledge about the function of WUSC is found higher among Dalit ( 50%).  Only one  percent of  the sample households expressed full satisfaction over the performance of WUSC. However, a large majority ( 85 %) noted that they are moderately satisfied with the performance of WUSC. A significant number of households (14%) also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of WUSC. Those who expressed their dissatisfaction faction noted their reason for dissatisfaction is due to untimely maintenance, irregular water delivery and poor performance of the WUSC members.

Some 17 percent households interviewed have also provided suggestions for the improvement of WUSC activities/performance. Those advising to the WUSC are found highest among female headed households (29%). Among the major suggestion provided by the users 24 hour water delivery in each  and every place of the area, reduction in fine,  trainings related to waste water management and vegetable farming, timely maintenance etc are demanded by most of the households.

Regarding the overall sustainability of the project, majority of the beneficiary households ( 52%) consider the project to be  unsustainable. Those who rank the project as un-sustainable argue that the project can be made sustainable provided that numbers of remedial measures have to be adopted by the project. Some of the measures suggested by the beneficiaries to make the project sustainable, regular testing of water, continuous flow of water, maintenance in filter chamber, regular maintenance of pipe joining, care of RVT, prompt response of public  complains  are emphasized.

 3. Conclusion and Recommendation

The Bandipur Small Town Project can be considered only a partially successful project considering its reliability of services, technical issue, financial status and trends towards sustainability.

The moderate impact of the services can be seen in their water uses pattern, quantity and pattern and change in sanitation behaviors. As a result of school toilet construction, school enrollment has been realized to be increased and the HHE trainings and campaign has contributed in the households and surrounding environmental.  A more than 98 percent household without toilet has been covered.  More than 50 percent women populations have been participated in project related activities conducted by the Project. The poor and disadvantaged groups have been benefited from community taps, subsidized private tap and construction of in-premise latrines. The saving time is used for IGA and family care activities. Due to the construction of project tourism business has been realized to be increased.

Despite the fact, the sustainability of the project is in question due to its technical deficiency and the negligence of stakeholders particularly the contractor who is supposed to fulfill the deficiencies of the project within one year of completion of project.  The project is unable to deliver 24 hour services due to technical deficiency in the project (mainly pipe leakage and air pressure problem). The tariff rate is 50 percent lower than the design rate when considering the nature of majority of the water consumers and volume of water to be consumed.  The project has not yet started to pay TDF loan.  Due to these deficiencies more than 50 percent of the households consider the project to be unsustainable. Hence, following measures have been recommended for the long-term sustainability of the town project.