Transforming Lives Through Water Access

Karishma's Journey

Naulakot, a village in Nepal's Kailali district, faces challenges like impassable roads during winter, monsoon difficulties and limited access to fresh water.

"The old community tap wasn't working. Now, with one tap per house, the village has undergone significant changes. This program has made a big difference for everyone, but especially for the children in their education, allowing more time for study and self-care," said Shanti Khadka, a local school teacher.

Naulakot now has a solar water lifting station, bringing water to the village. Thanks to support from the USAID Karnali Water activity, each of the 15 families and the Naulakot school has a faucet.

"Fetching water was tough. I spent a lot of time on it, and maintaining personal hygiene, especially during menstruation, was a real challenge," said Karishma, who fetched water from a downhill spring source. A weekly bath was a luxury she could scarcely afford.

"I am so hopeful about Karishma's future now. With improved access to water, she can focus more on her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor," said Sunita, Karishma’s mother, about the impact of water access.

In addition to spending a lot of time fetching water, the lack of water caused many community members to practice open defecation, which can have negative health impacts due to poor sanitation. Now, due to the availability of water, they proudly utilize a well-maintained toilet constructed at their doorstep.

These changes encompass improvements in sanitation and hygiene, as well as advancements in agricultural practices, improving community resilience.

Despite his initial doubts about the project, Khadak Prasad Jaishi, the chairperson of the water users and sanitation committee, played a crucial role not only in leadership, he also dedicated his skills as a mason and pipefitter to the project. "Thanks to this project, we're now looking to improve agriculture in our village,” he said. “This underscores the success of the water initiative and the community's commitment to sustainable development and agricultural advancement.”

Naulakot Community is isolated from the market and has adapted to multiuse of water such as gray water and surplus water for irrigating small farmhouses.

Durga Khatri cultivates beans and green vegetables in her kitchen garden and shares Joshi's enthusiasm and commitment. 'We collect and reuse water for productive use, ensuring that every drop counts in nurturing our crops,” said Khatri.

Amidst these changes, Karishma's dreams have taken root and flourished. With improved access to water, coupled with her resilience, determination, and family support, her hopes and ambitions to become a doctor and make a difference in her community are strengthened. "I now have more time for my studies and can focus on my dream of helping others. Water has made everything better," she said, smiling.

The team at USAID Karnali Water activity collaborated closely with local government authorities to secure funds and formulate policies, including a water users master plan at the municipal level, aimed at achieving wider coverage.

Communities played a crucial role, providing leadership and in-kind contributions by actively participating in tasks such as canal excavation and transportation of construction materials. By December 2023, the efforts of USAID Karnali Water activity had benefited 64 communities throughout the Karnali river basin, positively impacting over 12,000 individuals by delivering sustainable improvements to their drinking water facilities right to their doorsteps.