Sharda Municipality Launches 254.3 Million NPR Drinking Water Project in Kakakul, Khairabang
Sharda Municipality has initiated a large-scale community drinking water project in Khairabang with an estimated cost of NPR 254.3 million. This project aims to directly supply water to nearly 1,200 households and 5,500 residents in Wards 1, 11, and 12. The region has long faced water shortages, significantly affecting children and the elderly. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months. Kathmandu, 9 May – Nestled among scenic hills and lush forests, Khairabang is a religiously significant area. However, its residents have endured water scarcity for generations, forced to spend hours walking to distant springs. During summer, the drying springs and reduced water supply further exacerbate the challenges, causing residents to wait their turn for water.
Suklal Thapa of Khairabang-11 expressed his distress over the persistent drinking water problems his community has faced for ages. “We have been walking hours through steep paths to reach springs for water since I can remember. In the months of Baishakh and Jestha, many springs dry up, making us wait lengthy periods in turn,” he said. “Sanitation and irrigation remain dreams for us.”
Citizens like Suklal collectively endure the same struggle. The water shortage most severely impacts children and senior citizens. The time spent fetching water negatively influences daily life, education, and health. Many locals have been forced to migrate due to this crisis, as noted by resident Birendra Basnet. However, there is renewed hope that the Sharda Municipality’s ambitious Khairabang community drinking water project will end these hardships. “Many people have relocated due to the water shortage, and the elderly and children suffer the most,” Basnet shared. “The shortage affects health and causes difficulties in education. The municipality’s new project brings hope that water will soon reach every household.”
Valued at NPR 254.3 million, the municipality has commenced the Khairabang community drinking water project, which involves transporting water from the Sharda River using lift technology up to the Kakakul settlement. The water source is located about two kilometers downhill from the settlement. According to the municipality, the contract amount including VAT is NPR 178,549,875. The construction company M Construction, based in Lalitpur, was entrusted with completing the project by 23 August 2021 (Bhadra 7, 2078 BS). Upon completion, approximately 1,200 households across Wards 1, 11, and 12 will directly benefit, according to Mayor Prakash Bhandari. The municipality prioritizes ensuring no residents suffer from water scarcity. “This project, costing NPR 254.3 million, is designed to provide clean and safe water to every household. Once completed, 1,200 households and 5,500 residents in Wards 1, 11, and 12 will have water directly at their homes,” he stated. With quality construction contractors involved and an 18-month timeline, the project is expected to finish ahead of schedule. Local residents are optimistic that the long-standing drinking water crisis will finally end. If completed on time, the community will, for the first time, enjoy convenient and safe water access at home.
