Lalitpur, November 18, 2024 – A workshop to mark World Toilet Day 2024 was organized by Smart Wash Solutions on Monday at Hotel Himalaya, Kupondole, focusing on the theme, "Clean Toilets for a Better Place: Are We Ready?". The event brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, development organizations, and local bodies to address pressing sanitation challenges and opportunities in Nepal.
The workshop began with inaugural remarks by Hon. Minister of Social Development, Madhesh Province, Ms. Prabha Khadka Shrestha, who emphasized the importance of sanitation in public health and its impact on sustainable development. Key dignitaries, including Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, former Vice Chancellor of NAST, and senior officials from the Ministry of Water Supply, attended the event as guests of honor.
The technical sessions addressed a range of topics, including sanitation policies, community toilet management, and challenges in provincial-level implementation. Highlights included:
Sanitation Policies at the Provincial Level: Delivered by Mr. Hari Prasad Sharma, CEO of SWS, the session emphasized the role of local governments in ensuring sustainable sanitation infrastructure.
Public and Community Toilets: Where Peace Prevails: Ms. Sushmita Karki from WaterAid Nepal highlighted the success stories of community-managed toilets and outlined recommendations for broader replication.
Voices from Saptakoshi Municipality: Mayor Mr. Prasad Dhakal shared ground realities and the municipality’s efforts in tackling sanitation challenges, particularly in urban and flood-prone areas.
Smart Toilet Technology: Ms. Archana Shrestha from Aerosan showcased innovations aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in public toilet facilities.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Nadira Khwaja, Sector Leader of WaterAid Nepal, where participants discussed a collaborative roadmap for addressing sanitation issues across provinces. Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha delivered closing remarks, urging all stakeholders to prioritize sanitation as a critical aspect of development.
The event underscored the need for increased investment, innovative technologies, and inclusive policies to ensure clean and accessible sanitation for all, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
