Declaration of ODF Nepal and moving towards Total Sanitation 30 September 2019
Process Report
Secretariat, DWSSM, Panipokhari, Kathmandu October 2019
Prepared by ODF Declaration Secretariat (In consultation with PWG and WG) Declaration
With Due Respect to the Declaration of 753 Palikas and 77 Districts as Open Defecation Free, I declare Nepal as Open Defecation Country. Besides, I call upon people of Nepal to move towards total sanitation country and achieve the target of Sustainable Development Goal by 2030. K.P. Sharma Oli Prime Minister Date: 30 September 2019
Page. 1 Forewords It is matter of pleasure that Nepal has been declared Open defecation Free Country from 30 September 2019 and moved towards total sanitation. I am thankful to all citizens of Nepal and more than 6 million households who constructed toilets and ended open defecation. I am grateful to all 753 Palikas and 77 districts that took on the ODF challenge and were able to declare their areas Open- Defecation-Free around 8 years in line with the National Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan formulated in 2011. I would like to express my appreciation to all WASH Sector agencies and partners for their leadership and encouragement; the support of all NGOs and CBOs that inspired people for change; and the sustained interest and attention generated by all public media that helped to transform the sanitation campaign into a nation-wide movement for positive change. I believe that our joint effort as in the ODF campaign is required to move towards total, community- wide, sanitation through local-level initiatives with the vision of a clean Nepal to achieve the sustainable development goal of sanitation and hygiene. As a sectoral lead department, the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management call's on all people of Nepal and all Palikas to make sure that no one will need to practice open defecation and to maintain the country ODF, all the time, in every place. My sincere request to all people of Nepal for keeping their home clean, using toilet by all family members, practicing handwashing with soap, using safe water for drinking and food preparation, managing waste and keeping the surroundings clean. I am very hopeful that all Palika administrations will ensure enough toilets are available at public places, manage fecal sludge, wastewater, solid waste, maintain water safety plan and green parks as a part of total sanitation and making a clean Palika. I request all WASH sector agencies and partners to continue to support people in upgrading household sanitation and help Palika administrations to raise environmental sanitation towards a clean Pradesh and Country. I would like to express great respect to Minister Bina Magar, MoWS, Madhav Belbase, Secretary of MoWS and chair NHSC, and to Chandra Bahadur KC, Chair NSHCC who has been driving forces in the process Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support and effort of all of the sector agencies and individuals who supported country declaration process through Mission ODF, PWG and various working groups and management process.
Sunil Kumar Das Director-General Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management
Page. 2 Table of Contents
Declaration ...... 1
Forewords ...... 2
Background ...... 4
ODF Nation: ...... 4
Preparation framework ...... 5
Group works and outcomes ...... 9
Mission ODF ...... 9
Documentation ...... 10
Media ...... 12
Reward and recognition ...... 14
Resource mobilization ...... 16
Culture program ...... 18
Participation...... 19
Program ...... 20
Session Report ...... 21
First session: Journey of ODF movement ...... 21
Second Session: ODF Nepal Declaration ...... 23
Strategy for Total sanitation ...... 26
Dissemination: Conference Model ...... 27
Opinion survey after the ceremony: ...... 30
Annex ...... 33
Districts with ODF dates ...... 33
The trend of ODF movement (Chart map) ...... 35
Ceremony management team ...... 39
ODF Nepal- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ...... 41
Page. 3 Background Open Defecation Free (ODF) concept initiated in Nepal after the introduction of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach in 2003 and School Led Total Sanitation (SLTS) in 2005. Then ODF declaration of school catchments, clusters were started formally. The first VDC was declared ODF in 2005. Sanitation became a social campaign after the International Year of Sanitation-2008. Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan (SHMP) was formulated in 2011 which provided a nationwide guideline with a target to declare ODF Nepal by 2017. The Local Government (LG)-led ODF movement scaled up nation-wide. In the beginning, the campaign became intense in the western part of Nepal, then to the east and in the center at last. In the eastern Terai, movement became effective only after 2014. Earthquake 2015 affected the movement in some of the districts, as a result target to declare ODF Nepal shifted from 2017 to 2019. The government of Nepal in its annual program (FY 2019/20) has a plan to declare ODF nation and move towards Total Sanitation led by Local Government. National Sanitation and Hygiene Steering Committee (NSHSC) on 28 June 2019 decided to declare Nepal as ODF country by 30 September 2019. At that time, out of 77 districts, 11 districts were remained to be declared as ODF. However, these districts were in final stage of movement. The preparatory working group (PWG) comprising sector partners was formed under leadership of Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) on 17 July 2019 and first framework for ODF Nepal declaration was developed on 4 August 2019. Ministry of Water Supply confirmed 30 September 2019 for country declaration because most of the remaining districts had confirmed to declare district as ODF by 17 September 2019 and that happened. NSHSC, NSHCC and PWG meeting held on 25 September approved the process and date for declaration. The country was declared as ODF on 30 September 2019 by the Prime Minister of Nepal. This is the process report of the country Declaration.
ODF Nation: As required by SHMP 2011, sector partners including government and nongovernment organizations were involved in a unified ODF campaign mainly at district level joining D-WASH-CC for supporting communities. The movement was localized up to Palika level. The campaign addressed behavioral, social, technical, environmental barriers on sanitation and hygiene. The sanitation campaign also addressed financial issues of people in difficulties for various reasons. People constructed toilets meeting minimum standards and stopped open defecation with community’s own efforts. When every household owned toilet in their homes and institutional toilet at public places, local levels declared their designated area as ODF Palika based on the monitoring and recommendation of D- WASH-CC. The districts were declared as ODF area on the basis of monitoring and recommendation of R-WASH-CC (Now P-WASH-CC). After declaration of all 753 local levels (77 districts), Nepal was declared as ODF nation i.e. declaration that no one will be allowed to defecate in the open places in the future. If there will be any situation compelling people to go to open defecation, LGs take necessary action for sustaining ODF. LGs prepare plan of action for gradual improvement of sanitation conditions in their jurisdiction based on 5 +1 indicators. Of them, five indicators indicate sanitation
Page. 4 at household level including the practice of clean hands, clean water, clean food, clean house and clean toilet and practice for the same. One more indicator indicates cleanliness at community level including management of solid waste and liquid waste, control open defecation, manage faecal sludge, and water safety plan and greenery as applicable. Declaration of the nation as ODF has opened up way towards clean Nepal in new dimensions.
Preparation framework PWG was formed for the ODF declaration process under the leadership of DG of DWSSM. Various working groups were formed in order to execute various functions. PWG meeting was held every week for the update sharing and approval for the execution. The update of the process was communicated with PWG, working groups, and sector partners through Gmail ([email protected]). Updated documents were shared through google drive under the same account. The website was created in google site for more visualization of updates and wider communication. Online registration was created and opened to all to accommodate wide participation throughout the country.
Logo of ODF declaration was designed by Rajeeb Ghimire indicting toilet with roof color matching color of national flag representation national wide presence of toilets.
Frequently asked questions and their answer was prepared based on the concern of people and journalist expressed in the social media. All together 23 questions and their answers were prepared both in English and Nepali covering all process, practical and theoretical ideas behind ODF declaration and posted on website. The post was shared in sanitation forum and page of ODF Nepal. This helped to normalize conflicting ideas. Most of the sector actors became normal towards the day of declaration. Media also became normal to some extent but some news with different views was accepted as positive for future consideration.
General Task of Functional groups was to organize meetings among team members, discuss and finalize the process and required outcomes., identify service provider (as required), participate in meeting called by secretariat, present the concept, plan process and outcome in the PWG and verify the products. For each group focal person was responsible for organizing respective working group and communication.
Management Group
Page. 5 Preparatory Working group (PWG)
SN Name Organization Email
1 Sunil Kumar Das DG, DWSSM [email protected]
2 Meena Shrestha DDG, DWSSM [email protected]
3 Rama Kanta Dwadi DDG, DWSSM [email protected]
4 Maheswor Ghimire SDE, Doli [email protected]
5 Tika Adhikari RWSSFDB [email protected]
6 Siddi Shrestha UNICEF [email protected]
7 Madan Malla UN-Habitat [email protected]
8 Sudan Panthi WHO [email protected]
9 Namaste Lal Bhoomi MAT Team [email protected] Shrestha
10 Gehanath Gautam Director [email protected] CEHRD/MoEST
11 Kunja Joshi MoHP [email protected]
12 Ratan Budhathoki SNV [email protected]
13 Devendra Kumar Jha Chief SMESS/DWSSM [email protected]
14 Kabir Raj Bhandari Water Aid Nepal [email protected]
15 Rajendra Aryal FEDWASUN [email protected]
16 Suman Giri Ecosamachar [email protected]
17 Nabin Pradhan Plan nabin.pradhan@plan- international.org
Functional Working group (FWG)
Page. 6 Group Action Points Responsible Outcomes
A ODF declaration ceremony: Lead: Chandra KC, JS MOWS ODF declaration Finalize modality of ceremony ceremony FP: Rama Kanta Dawadi, and take forwards until the organized as DDG/DWSSM events. planned Members: PWG
B Mission ODF: identity, analyze, Lead: Maheshwor Ghimire, SDE All of the remaining provide support to remove DoLI. 11 districts barrier and follow-up with declared ODF FP: Namaste Lal Bhoomi districts in the process of ODF within anticipated Shrestha time (17 September Members: Mukti Pokhrel 2019)
Devendra Jha, Chief SMSS/DWSSM,
Rajendra Aryal, FEDWASUN
Madan Malla, UN-HABITAT
C Documentation: Develop a Chandra Kumar P. Shrestha SDE, Memorial Book memorial book on the ODF MOWS (Nep/Eng)produced movement including data, FP: Kamal Adhikari, DWSSM Video Documentary success, and contribution. (ENG/Nepali) Develop audiovisual in two Members: Gehanath Gautam, Produced forms: Nepali and English Director CEHRD / MoEST,
Kunja Joshi, MoHP
Gehanath Gautam MoE Ratan Budhathoki SNV,
Govinda Shrestha, Water Aid, Rajesh Manandhar UN-Habitat Surendra Dhakal, UNICEF, Namuna Bhoomi Shrestha, CRT/N
D Recognition and reward: Lead: Chowk Dhital, SDE, MoWS List of People Develop model, identify recognized
Page. 7 organization and person to be FP: Bhojendra Aryal prepared and rewarded and arrange for the announced during Members: DOLI, UNICEF, GSF, rewarding. the ceremony. SNV
E Media Partnership: Media Leader: Devendra Kumar Jha, Tour organized for Interaction, Countdown, DWSSM journalist, Press Sharing Success Stories, meet organized, FP: Suman Giri: (Ecosamachar) Interviews, Preparation for talk show prepared photo exhibition, culture show Members:, Water Aid, FNJ, and broadcasted, WASH Media Forum Nepal media desk
(Manisha Awasthi), , organized during Washkhabar.com (PT Lopchan) ceremony, Key messagd aired from FEDWASUN, Sarmina FM Manandhar (UNICEF)
F Resource mobilization: Budget Lead: Devendra Kumar Jha, Chief Estimate prepared Estimation and resource SMESS/DWSSM and required mobilization funding arranged FP: Yam Prasad. Bhushal, A/C from various chief, DWSSM partners and Members: Madan Malla (GSF) DWSSM
Siddhi Shrestha(UNICEF)
G Coordination: secretariat Process framework prepared and Develop overall model, provide Lead: Debendra Kumar Jha, chief implemented as guidance to various functional SMESS/DWSSM planned and team. Coordinate among group, Bhojendra, Aryal, DWSSM communication prepare progress report done through (Weekly), Organize PWG Kamal Adhikari, DWSSM multi-channel. meeting, Prepare final report. Bipin Poudel, Consultant Coordination
Coordinator: Nam Raj Khatri maintaiton between MoWS,
DWSSM, PWG, WG, Participants and Service providers.
Page. 8 Secretariat
SN Name Organization Email
1 Devendra Kumar Jha Chief SMESS/DWSSM [email protected]
2 Kamal Adhikari Sociologist NWASTC [email protected]
3 Bhojendra Aryal Sociologist, DWSSM [email protected]
4 Sachita Gurung SMESS/DWSSM [email protected]
5 Nutan Gautam DWSSM [email protected]
6 Niraj Shrestha DWSSM [email protected]
7 Bipin Poudel Technical officer [email protected]
8 Nam Raj Khatri Coordinator [email protected]
Group works and outcomes
Mission ODF
When the NSHSC meeting decided to declare Nepal as ODF country within 30 September 2019, there were 11 districts remained to be ODF in four Pradesh: 1, 2, 3, 5. These eleven districts were: Bhojpur, Solukhumbu, Bara, Parsa, Dhanusha, Mohotari, Sarlahi, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Kathmandu, and Kapilvastu. Bhojpur, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, and Kathmandu had already completed toilet construction in all houses; only ODF verification and ODF declaration process at some of the municipalities and districts remained. In other districts, the ODF movement was going on in all of the remaining Palikas. In these 11 districts 23 Palikas were already in process of verification and declaration and in 40 Palikas ODF movement was going on. Dolakha and Sindhulpalchowk were near to ODF towards 2015 and both districts were affected by earthquakes 2015. As a part of recovery project, ODF status was resumed in both districts.
Mission ODF was formed among the government staff, and staff retired from NGO/INGOs. Mission ODF was led by Maheswor Ghimire, SDE Doli and Namaste Bhoomi Lal Shrestha (Coordinator Mat team). Other members in the Mission were: Madan Malla, Bipin Poudel, Mukti Pokhrel. In each
Page. 9 district, a focal person was assigned from the water supply division of Pradesh or water supply project office of DWSSM or DWSSM for the regular communication and facilitation. Mission ODF team visited districts in three-round as required. They triggered the districts and Palikas where the ODF movement was stagnant. Mission coordinated between Palika, DWASHCC and Pradesh for the monitoring and verification process as required by the Masterplan. Many districts were facing problem with respects to verification process because of system change. The mission helped to form P-WASH-CC in three Pradesh which was required for the verification of remaining districts because R-WASH-CC of the previous system did not exist. Some of the districts wanted additional budget for monitoring and celebration. Mission communicated with DWSSM and supporting partners and arranged some nominal budget for the celebration. Main challenges for mission ODF team were activating WASH coordination committees at province and Districts, updating data, completing monitoring and verification process. Finally, Mission ODF team competed their tasks with great effort and all districts declared ODF within 17 September 2019. On this basis Ministry of water supply confirmed the 30 September 2019 as date for declaring Nepal as an ODF country. Prime minister of Nepal agreed to declare country as ODF in line with annual plan of the current fiscal year and move towards total sanitation in leadership of local governments.
Focal Person for Mission ODF
SN Districts Name Organization 1 Bhojpur Surat Lal Chaudhary FWSSP,Biratnagar 2 Solukhumbu Rajkumar Shakya FWSSP, Khotang 3 Dolakha Nandalal Banjade FWSSP,Hetauda 4 Kathmandu Maheswor Ghimire DoLi, Kathmandu 5 Sindhupalchowk Laxmi Upadhyaya FWSSP Hetauda 6 Dhanusha Arun Simkhada FWSSP,Janakpur 7 Mahottari Rajesh Kushwa FWSSM,Janakpur 8 Sarlahi Kabindra Bikram Karki NWSSTC,Kathmandu 9 Parsa Devendra Kumar Jha DWSSM 10 Bara Binod Kumar Bhujel DWSSM 11 Kapilvastu Shalikaram Paudel FWSSP Butwal
Documentation
Preparatory Working Group (PWG) took overall responsibility for the country ODF declaration process. Documentation Working Group formed by PWG worked on documentation. The main purpose of Documentation Functional Working Group (DFWG) was to produce documents that
Page. 10 portrait the overall journey of Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign in Nepal. The DFWG facilitated for producing two documents--booklet and video documentary--in Nepali and English languages.
Booklet on ODF Movement in Nepal
The DFWG members discussed in the group and formulated the content of the book through the brainstorming process. And this group decided to hire a writer for compiling information for booklets. Mr. Bharat Adhikari was engaged as a writer considering his capacity and expertise in the sanitation sector.
The DFWG decided to include in the booklet the key themes such as the beginning of the movement, timeline, and trend of sanitation coverage, approaches, challenges and resource mobilization pattern, political leadership, media mobilization, technology, sustainability, inclusion, Institutional arrangement, coordination, ODF validation, and declaration process. The DFWG also decided to include some of the relevant case studies to demonstrate the real field level scenario and also to formulate the way forward for implementing total sanitation with local initiatives.
The booklet was prepared with the contribution of sector stakeholders on various issues. The booklet was shared at the time of nation ODF declaration ceremony. And elaborated form of this booklet was produced with additional stuff of the declaration ceremony and pertinent sectoral issues. Both of them are translated into English language.
Video Documentary on Sanitation
The DFWG decided to prepare a 10 minutes long documentary film in both Nepali and English languages. The main purpose of developing a documentary film was to demonstrate the journey of the ODF movement in Nepal. The DFWG decided to assign Media Help Line for producing the video documentary to demonstrative evolution in the sanitation sector.
The DFWG did an intensive brainstorming and recommended to include a number of issues like pre- ODF situation in the country, triggering points, campaign and coordination, and ODF declarations, changes brought about through ODF campaign in social, behavioral and environmental aspects and importance of ODF status. Media Help Line prepared the script in English and Nepali languages.
Both DFWG and PWG provided feedback to documentary producers from time to time. Media Help Line worked out on 1600 hours of footage from their library plus some of the footage provided by partners and footage collected through field studies. As part of the contract, they visited some of the districts during declaration process and collected latest clips. Finally, a 10 minutes video documentary was prepared in line with the scripts.
Member of the Documentation group
Page. 11 The DFWG comprises of Kamal Adhikari, focal person (DWSSM), Kunja Joshi (NHEICC/MoHP), Gehanath Gautam (MoE ), Ratan Budhathoki (SNV Nepal), Govinda Shrestha(Water Aid Nepal), Rajesh Manandhar(GSF/UN-Habitat ), Surendra Babu Dhakal (UNICEF) and Namuna Bhoomi Shrestha (CRT/N).
Media
Media created a favorable environment for experts to share their expertise long after providing a legacy for the country ODF declaration movement. It has created a platform for continued learning and has made it easier to stay in touch.
The separate Media Mobilization team was formed under the secretariat aiming to conduct media interaction, countdown, sharing success stories, gathering views, sharing information, preparing press releases/updates and carry out other media related works.
The media group conducted the following activities for accelerating the country ODF declaration event on dated September 30, 2019
Count down of ceremony and key message:
The media team had explored some suitable activities to highlight and disseminate the proper message of the ODF declaration. It arranged countdown message before 25 days earlier to the event date. Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal, the umbrella organizations of 350 + community radios, disseminated the countdown alert and news/ views related to the event on prime time news of 6:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m.
It really supported to accelerate the declaration movement where 10 districts remained on that period. The Community Information Network ( CIN) had supported for proper communication through talk program “ Sajha Nepal” https://www.cinkhabar.com/podcast/502 as well. It really validated the information and informed people about the ODF declaration event. The Chief Ministers, line ministers shared their views and congratulated to all campaigners who were engaged in this mega event through the CIN.
Field-based reporting to Journalists:
The media team had arranged the environment for the ground reporting and extracting the information from root level community, changes made during this campaign, attitudinal and behavioral aspects of community people, and further requirement after ODF declaration in Dhanusa and Mahottari districts. Being the eye witness on district declaration event and taking part in the interaction with local and provincial level policymakers, they had prepared the news report, captured pictures and disseminated through respective media. The links of the news are https://deshsanchar.com/2019/09/29/255782/?fbclid=IwAR2PCxoMU_VBxaWOccgCr1vr2hxreIjANq XSNLPw56rru2To43Ai4YwXNqM
Page. 12 https://onlinekendra.com/?p=30423&fbclid=IwAR0lWnqKr2YH5iXCzf1uF49Q5vn_MRTuVMvNFZAvr p2KMMVHmHZMwHI745Y
The team of six journalists led by Manisha Awasthi (Chair WASH Media forum) had visited Mahottari and Dhanusa. The team observed the ODF declaration event, discussed it with DWASHCC team. The next day, team visited community and interacted with people about the changing scenario on using toilets, their thinking on sanitation and level of awareness too. The team comprised of media persons from respective districts as well. Media persons were from Radio Nepal, kathmandupress.com, deshsanchar.com, onlinekendra.com, CIN, Janakpur TV
Television Talkshow “ Safai Sarokar”:
The media team in consultation with the secretariat decided for shooting and transmission of talk- based and report based television programs as archive documentation for the ODF declaration. The team arranged to prepare four talk show programs and transmit them from Sagarmatha television and online news portal ecosamachar.com
The show captured views of people in the planning and top management including Minister, Secretary from the Ministry of Water Supply, and Director General and sector partners about the country ODF declaration and post ODF campaign. The second show was based upon the views of the preparatory working group (PWG) regarding ODF declaration process, challenges and way forward after the county’s declaration. It was interaction program with stakeholders.
The third show was based on the long journey of the ODF campaign in Dhanusa and Mahottari with the chief of District Coordination Committee (DCC) and Chief of Environment and Sewerage Management of DWSSM about the further policy level priorities of Nepal government.
The fourth show was based on the community scenario at Aurahi Rural Municipality, with the marginalized people of Chamar Basti. The team interacted with the people about the use of toilets, its importance, changing behavior of people, the essence of handwashing and many more. Even they included views of the chief minister, D-WASH-CC chair and people involved in the ODF campaign in Nepal. https://ecosamachar.com/ecotv
The television talk shows helped to understand the local ownership, value of the ODF campaign and way forwards in the view of local leaders and actors. All shows were also presented during the country declaration ceremony dated September 30, 2019.
Media interaction program with FNJ:
The media team, in coordination and consultation with the secretariat and Federation of Journalists (FNJ) had conducted a workshop about the ODF Movement in Nepal and major contributions of media in this campaign. The central committee of FNJ had conducted this program in the presence of 30 editors and senior journalists. That was fruitful program for validation and way forward for the post ODF program.
Page. 13 Mr. Dharmendra Jha, Ex-president of FNJ presented view about the role of media in social movements like the ODF declaration. He said that media accelerate in awareness-raising program of using latrines and its impact on health. The Deputy Director-General of DWSSM, Mr. Ramakant Duwadi shared the policy level preparation, the framework of post ODF program and media contribution during campaign in Nepal.
Informal Sharing and Press Meet at Ministry:
The official from the Ministry of Water Supply organized the informal meet cum media interaction program with the senior level journalists of Kathmandu. Honorable Minister, MoWS Bina Magar led the program and narrate the entire phenomenon and campaign of the ODF declaration movement to journalists. Minister and secretary shared concept, process, and importance of ODF declaration for Nepal and presented way forward and exemplary achievements of Nepal in sanitation sector.
Media desk on the declaration Venue:
The media team managed the media desk in the venue since morning. The purpose of media desk was to disseminate the required information for media colleagues from national and international media outlets. The team took interview with key sanitation actors and foreign guests who were invited to the program. Interview clips are published by ecosamachar.com, online news portal of Nepal dedicated to environment and sanitation sectors.
Photo Exhibition:
The team also arranged for a photo exhibition highlighting the major events and achievements of the campaign. Photos related to sanitation movement were collected from various persons, stakeholders, and the organization representing various themes and of different time periods.
The entire activities of media events were satisfactory and able to disseminate the proper information. The media Team under the secretariat carried out the assigned job properly on time.
Reward and recognition
From 30 September 2019 is been declared as ODF country. Nepal is the first country to declare the end of open defecation free country formally in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goal 6.2. This became possible when all families (more than 6 million households) constructed toilets and ended open defecation. Appreciation goes to all 753 Palikas and 77 districts that took on the ODF challenge and were able to declare their areas Open-Defecation-Free around 8 years in line with the Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan formulated in 2011.
This became possible by the leadership and encouragement of all WASH Sector agencies and partners; the support of all Donors, I/NGOs, and CBOs that inspired people for change; and the sustained interest and attention generated by all public media that helped to transform the sanitation campaign into a nation-wide movement for positive change.
Page. 14 Working group formed for reward and recognition prepared following list of people to be recognized on the occasion of ODF declaration day.
All of the division engineer (member secretary of DWASHCC) who were able to declare ODF district has been recognized.
All Chairs of DWASHCC who were able to declare ODF districts were selected.
All the partner organization who were involved in the field and able to declare at least one VDC/MU/Palika has been recognized.
The working group prepared a list of approximately 1200 people from all over the country as sanitation Champion/actor based on recommendations of D-WASH-CCs and Sector partners. A list of people was displayed during the reward and recognition session of ceremony and of which 35 people were specially mentioned. The foreigner who contributed to the ODF movement of Nepal were also specially mentioned.
Four persons were recognized as national hero/champions based on their strategic contribution in the ODF movement
Jagat Raj Regmi : He was selected based on online consultation with people who registered online for participating ODF declaration ceremony. Maximum people named Jagatraj as local champions whose contribution impacted nationwide. He was a Head-teacher in Pancha Kanya Prathamic BidhlayaI then) who practiced school sanitation and school-led total sanitation, as a result, the catchment area of the school became first ODF zone. He was highly appreciated in the country at that time also.
Anil Kesari : He was able to declare three districts as ODF in a capacity of member secretary of D- WASHCC. There are many engineers who declared up to three districts as ODF. Anil worked in terai, remote area of Karnali and eastern hills. Hence he was selected among member secretaries as a respect to all engineers who contributed to the ODF movement.
Guru Prasad Subedi: He was the chair of DWASHCC of Kaski which was declared as the first ODF district. He had mobilized the local NGO, CBO and agencies working in the districts, encouraged VDC/MU of that time to motivate people for construction and use of the toilet. As a result, district was able to declare ODF in short time with simplest path of intervention. He was recognized as a respect to all DWASHCC team of 77 districts.
Mr. Namaste Lal Bhoomi Shrestha: He was selected based on an opinion survey carried with participants of the ODF declaration ceremony who registered online. Maximum people named Namaste Lal Bhoomi Shrestha for a national hero who has contributed for the longest period in the ODF movement of Nepal effectively. He intensively involved in sanitation movement for more than 30 years. After retirement from UNICEF in 2016, his self-motivated dedication to Mission ODF became instrumental for declaring remaining districts.
Page. 15 All of the people who were recognized will get a certificate of appreciation on behalf of NSHCC. These people will be symbolic representation among millions of people who were involved in the process and it is expected that this will encourage people to move towards total sanitation with similar spirit.
Resource mobilization
Secretariat prepared a cost estimate of the ODF declaration process and ceremony up to NPR 7.5 Million. Initially it was decided to conduct ceremony in Yak and Yeti Hotel. Later it was decided to organize the ceremony in the simplest form in the City Hall. The cost of the ceremony was reduced to NPR 6.0 Million. The main cost of the ceremony was venue management, documentation, media campaign, printing and secretariat cost. The cost of the program was shared by partners. The main partners sharing the cost were: UNHABITAT, SNV, WAN, PLAN, and DWSSM.
All of the activities were initially prepared by a secretariat based on an idea generated by working group, discussed in the PWG and agreed in terms of activities, service providers if any and cost. Proposal of service providers including cost were agreed by PWG chaired by DG, DWSSM.
SN Sponsor NPR Mode of Payment 1 SNV Nepal 6,00,000 Payment from DWSSM 2 Plan Nepal 4,00,000 Payment from DWSSM Direct Payment from Water Aid Nepal 3 (WAN) 6,00,000 Direct payment 4 Direct Payment from UN Habitat 25,00,000 Direct payment 5 Direct Payment from WHO Nepal 6,00,000 Direct payment 6 DWSSM 13,00,000 ESDM Budget Total Resource 60,00,000
SN Items Cost Party 1 Digital, video, Sound System and others 3,60,000 Digital Vision Ceremony Materials (Memento, notebook, 2 4,40,000 IPTM pen and logistics) Lunch Packets, Hall Rent and Event 3 6,00,000 IPTM Management
Page. 16 4 Drama and grand show 1,50,000 Khulla Sanchar 5 Printing (Flex & Book) 1,90,000 Magnum Printing Press 6 Song and Dance 1,50,000 Sanskritik Sansthan 7 Live Telecast and Live-Streaming 70,000 Mega TV 8 Live Telecast 1,00,000 NTV 9 Documentation (Writing) 6,00,000 Bharat Adhikari
10 ODF highlight (Video) 9,90,000 Media Help Line
11 Count down and daily message (two times) 2,50,000 ACORAB Responsible Media 12 Talk show/Journalist tour/Press meet 6,50,000 /FNJ/ 16 Secretariat 14,50,000 Total cost 6,000,000
Contact Service Provider/Name No Email Main Task Screen and TV, Photography, Video Digital Vision: Ram Narayan Recording, Sound
Uprety 01-4011212 [email protected] Systems Event Management IPTM: Nishesh Shakya 9841531682 [email protected] and logistics Khulla Sanchar : Chakra Psd [email protected]
Pokhrel 9843615274 om Drama [email protected] Printing of ODF
Magnum Printing Press: 01-4429433 om Journey Book Sanskritik Sansthan: Prabhakar, [email protected]
Acting GM 9851032794 om Cultural Song Live Telecast and live-
Mega TV: Badri Pokhrel 9851082692 [email protected] streaming NTV: Raj Kr Thapa, Marketing Chief 9851110211 Live Telecast Author of ODF Journey
Bharat Adhikari 9851124508 [email protected] Book Video Documentary on
Media Help Line: Jagdish Kharel 9851052546 [email protected] ODF Journey of Nepal Countdown on Radio ACORAB: Bal Krishna Pokharel, and messages from
ED 9851087204 [email protected] Chief Ministers Interactions shooting and telecast from
Responsible Media: Suman Giri 9851188981 [email protected] Sagarmatha TV [email protected] Media related
Manisha Awasthi 9848802445 m information sharing
Page. 17 Organized Interaction
FNJ 9851039842 [email protected] with Journalists
Culture program
The culture program was designed for celebrating the ODF declaration ceremony to look like a culture event. The program was focused to demonstrate ODF mission, changes, and ways forward. It was designed in three parts. The concept was developed in the PWG and materialized by expert groups and institutions.
Part one (Drama): Drama was conceptualized with a view of the socio-culture and environmental scenario of a community mainly in Terai and its consequences in health and society. Changes after the ODF declaration was demonstrated. Flashback play indicated that a young girl died mainly because of gastritis since they had to control food to avoid need for going to toilet except in the morning and evening. ODF movement was going on both in Hill and Terai. At the end artist indicated their urge to declare whole country as ODF forever.
Concept of Drama was developed in PWG and materialized by Khulla sanchar with title Dark to light. Drama was directed by Mohan Avilashi, chorgraphed by Deepika and acted by Deepika thapa, Chandra Prakash Pandey, Chakra Prasad Pokhrel, Amrit Kaucha, Hira hamal, Sova Limbu, Kajol Lama, Muna Pandey, Sandiv vujel, Arjun Tamang, Amrita Gautam, Abisa Magar, Manarasa karki, Deepa Pradhan, Suman Smarika, Renu Gahataraj, Mohan Bahadur Shrestha, Totadi naraan Heju and Pratikshya Pokhrel.
Part two (Song with dance): Song was designed to mention movement in all 75 districts (two districts Rukum and Nawalparasi was not separated when ODF declared) in the order they were declared ODF. Declaration started from Kaski and ended in Solukhumbu where mount Everest is situated. About 25 dancers in a different cultural dress took part in the group dance. People danced in various groups. During the dance, group was reformed to represent the culture (dress) of the districts which were mentioned.
Concept of the song:
The movement started here, for Open Defecation Free
For a healthy society and, for self-esteem.
The movement went on from Kaski to Solukhumbu
The whole country moved for Open Defecation Free
For clean beauty and peace, one problem is solved.
This part was prepared by Nepal Sanskritik Sansthan
Page. 18 Song and dance was conceptualized in PWG and materialized by Nepal Sanskrit Sanstan (NSS). Music of song was created by Bipin Ghimire and song by Bipin Ghimire, Tirtha Raj Pokhrel,, Bipendra Bajracharya, Shila Bista, Vimkala Gurung, Tika Gurung and arranged by Jhalak sangit group. Choreography and direction of dance was done by Sharda devi Silwal and played by actor associated with NSS: Sharadadevi Silwal, Madan Thapa, Maya Thapa, Shushila Thapa, Geeta Thapa, Sangita Shahi, Bipin Ghimire, Tilak Sunuwar, Sabanam Khadgi, Ranju Shrestha, Puja Sunuwar, Babura Rainchuri, Bishal Thapa, Manisha Hamal, Samana Silwal, Yemuna Magar, Samila Basnet, Sunita nagarkoti, Sumitra BK, Sonu Rai, Sidhartha Silwal, Pawan Tamang, Sunil Panta, Ujwal karki, Sravi magar. Narayani Pandey designed dress and Sita Tamang did decoration of dancers.
Part three (Grand show): This was designed to demonstrate after the declaration of the country by PM. When PM declared country as ODF and delivered his speech. Voice over started with sound of clouds. People were getting afraid and an actor said that it is the sound of happiness, success of many years. The actor stopped and drew attention of group of school children who wanted to say something. Children started to sing a song in group (voice-over) saying that only ODF is not sufficient. What they need is total sanitation. They asked parents to maintain five indicators of sanitation at household level and they demanded with leaders of country to maintain environmental sanitation. In the end they demanded total sanction to fulfill their need and right to live in clean environment. This was the take-home message of the ceremony for all and mainly for the chair of Palikas. PM of Nepal observed this scenario interestingly. This part was played by Khulla Sanchar. Students of Sivapuri and Himalayan school waved national flags of Nepal.
Participation
Participants: Program was designed to invite participants including Ministers, government officials, sector partners, and representatives from Pradesh, Municipalities, and communities and sanitation actors.
Partners were requested to invite international participants from their regional offices and HQ who were closely involved in the ODF movement of Nepal through their program. About 15 participants took part from out of the country invited by UHHABITAT, WSSCC, SNV, PLAN, Water Aid, etc.
Registration was opened to all people engaged in the ODF movement One of the reasons for open registration was to make interested people from all over Nepal to come and join the ceremony on their own. Some seats were reserved for the invited guest and participants.
About 380 registered for the participation from 1-29 September 2019. Some of them canceled and some found duplicate hence net registration was about 350 people. Among registered, 75% belong to sanitation actor/promoter, 10% well-wisher and remaining 5% from PWG/WG and Mission ODF.
Among registered, 18 % of them defined as sanitation actors at Palika level, 21 % as sanitation champion, 23 % as actor planner at the central level and 36% as sanitation actor at District/DWASHCC level.
Page. 19 Participants were asked to write one sentence on why the ODF declaration is important. They used following words in their views: Health (185), Sanitation (91), Environment (60), Development (34), dignity /pride (54), Clean (25), SDG (10), change (9)
Member secretary (8), Chair (21), Champion (3), Coordination (26), support (73), Technical (9), Mobilization (24), community (6), ODF (297), Plan (50), Declaration (33), Campaign (117), Trigger (17), Focal person (8), Movement (9), Implement (19), Involve (30)
Program
The ODF declaration ceremony was organized in two parts. The first part was focused on journey of the ODF movement of Nepal. The second part of the ceremony was for declaration.
ODF Declaration Ceremony Program Remarks
Part1: Journey to ODF movement MC: Kamal Adhikari
10:00-11:00 Registration
11:00-11:10 Inviting guest on seats, Welcome
11:10-11:25 Presentation on ODF movement (PPT) by Chandra KC
11:25-11:50 Sanitation culture program: 10 min song +10 min drama
11:50-12:00 Speech by INGO and Civil society/NGO @3 min
12:00-12:20 Reward and recognition: Plus film
Part2: ODF National Declaration MC: Jagadish Kharel
13:00-13:10 Calling Chair(Minister MoWS) and dignitaries on the dais and national anthem
13:10-13:20 Welcoming chief guest by Secretary MoWS
13:20-14:00 Speech by Guests
Page. 20 14:00-14:20 Declaration by Honorable Prime minister of Nepal, grand show and speech
14:20-14:30 Closing remarks by the Minister MoWS
Session Report
First session: Journey of ODF movement
Part-I: Technical Session:
The technical session of Nation ODF Declaration Ceremony comprised of six different activities: i) opening, ii) presentation on Nepal’s sanitation campaign, iii) cultural program on sanitation, iv) remarks by the representative of I/NGO and civil society organization, v) recognition of individual and vi) video documentary show.
1. Opening:
The program was conducted by Mr. Kamal Adhikari, Sociologist of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM). Mr. Chandra Bahadur KC, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Water Supply (MoWS) and Chair Person of National Sanitation and Hygiene Coordination Committee (NSHCC) chaired the session. Ms. Bina Magar, Minister of MoWS was the chief guest of the program. In the beginning, Mr. Adhikari stated that this event was organized to officially declare the nation as an ODF area, recognize contributors to sanitation and seek stakeholders’ ownership for the future mission of total sanitation in line with SDG. He welcomed all the participants of the program on behalf of NSHCC.
2. Presentation:
Mr. Sunil Kumar Das, Director General of DWSSM, made a presentation on Nepal’s sanitation campaign. During the presentation; he highlighted the policy initiatives, Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan 2011, challenges, and opportunities and factors contributing to the ODF movement. He stated that the remarkable success in sanitation in Nepal is due to collaborative efforts of the cross- sector actors, participatory planning and subsidy less approach owned by communities even amid adverse situations created by natural disaster and socio-economic barriers.
3. Cultural Program:
The cultural program comprised of two parts: i) dance and ii) drama. The following is the brief highlight of these events:
3.1 Dance:
Page. 21 Nepal Sanskritik Sansthan presented a dance describing the ODF journey in Nepal. The dance had beautifully portrayed the journey of district ODF declaration along with an attractive song on sanitation equipped with dancers showing diversity of caste/ethnicity, language, dressing pattern and geography of the country. This song successfully demonstrated that Nepal’s sanitation campaign is inclusive and participatory and it also generated a feeling of national unity through sanitation campaigns. Altogether six singers and twenty-six dancers were engaged in this dance.
3.2 Drama:
Khula Sanchar Private Limited presented the drama titled Ujyalotira (towards light). This drama lively depicts the pathetic condition (death) caused in the Terai community due to filthy and unhygienic environment created by open defecation practices just while two bosom friends (Meet) from Hill and Terai communities were about to exchange their cordiality. This drama has been plotted in the context of country moved from open defecation to ODF condition. Overall, this drama has generated a strong sentiment that efforts all communities from Mountain, Hill and Terai communities should be unified for creating clean and healthy communities in line with country ODF declaration. The second segment of this drama commences just after country ODF declaration by the Prime Minister of Nepal. The school students hoisting national flags on their hands loudly urge all the stakeholders to end open defecation practice and promote total sanitation for promoting sustainable sanitation. Altogether nineteen actors were engaged in this drama.
4. Remarks (Speech):
Ms. Tripti Rai, Country Representative of Water Aid Nepal, congratulated all stakeholders for the success of the country ODF declaration and appreciated the leading role of the Government of Nepal and close collaboration of the Development Partners. She had wished for inclusive and sustainable sanitation in future. Similarly, Mr. Rajendra Aryal, National President of Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal, viewed that Nepal’s ODF campaign resulted due to partnership of wide range of stakeholders and its continuity needs special attention under total sanitation regime. He congratulated all for this success.
5. Recognition:
Recognition has been well recognized as an important part of the ODF movement in Nepal. So, individuals were recognized for their remarkable contribution to sanitation. The name list of those individuals was finalized by the Reward and Recognition Functional Working Group formed on the occasion of the country ODF declaration process. In this session, the individuals were recognized under five categories: i) sanitation champions, ii) Sarsafai Abhiyanta, iii) recognition after death, iv) remarkable contributors and v) sanitation promoters along with highlights of their contribution for national sanitation initiatives.
Page. 22 Mr. Kamal Adhikari recited the name of the recognized persons. On the occasion, Mr. Namaste Lal Bhumi Shrestha and Mr. Jagat Raj Regmi were recognized as ‘National Sanitation and Champion’ and ‘Local Sanitation Champions’ respectively. Similarly, Mr. Guru Subedi and Mr. Anil Prasad Kesari were recognized as ‘Sarsafai Abhiyanta’. The persons recognized after death were Mr. Dhruba Karki, Mr. Purna Puri, Mr. Raguchan Upadhyaya, and Dhan Bahadur Dudhyal. Likewise, the name of 35 different remarkable sanitation contributors was recited. And the name of other sanitation promoters was also displayed on the TV screen. In the meantime, it was informed that the government will display the name list of all the recognized persons in website of DWSSM and provide the letter of recognition to the concerned through appropriate means.
6. Video Documentary Show:
At the end of the first session, the video on the sanitation journey of Nepal was displayed. The video documentary was prepared by Media Help Line for NSHCC. The documentary shows evolution, expansion, and revolution in sanitation in Nepal. It has clearly depicted the role of the government, DPs, and communities for remarkable success in the country ODF declaration. This equally highlights the contribution of the sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan 2011 for triggering national sanitation campaign.
Second Session: ODF Nepal Declaration
Part-II: Country ODF Declaration Session:
Mr. Jagadish Kharel conducted this session. The session was chaired by Bina Magar, the Honorable Minister of Water Supply. Rt’Honorable Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was the chief guest of the program. The program was attended by the representative of federal, provincial and local government, District Coordination Committee, development agencies, media, school, and academia. This session comprised of four parts: i) welcome speech, ii) remarks by guests, iii) special remarks and country ODF declaration by the Rt’Honorable Prime Minister and iv) remarks by the chair of the session.
1. Welcome remarks: The program commenced with the welcome speech by Mr. Madhav Belbase, Secretary of MoWS. He expressed the heartfelt thanks to Rt’Honorable Prime Minister, Honorable Minister of Water Supply and another dignitary on dais, Development Partners and all stakeholders for their gracious presence in the historical occasion of country ODF declaration. He stated that Nepal is going to be declared as ODF nation as per the established protocol of declaration followed by Province, District, and Palika level WASH Coordination Committees. He further added that ODF campaign has largely contributed to reduce faecal oral contamination and promote health and dignity of community. According to him, the strategic thought of ‘sanitation for all, all for sanitation’ played instrumental role in successfully achieving ODF status in the country. Finally, he said that ODF
Page. 23 declaration would be a basis to establish the constitutional provision of ‘right to water and sanitation to all’ and the government’s dream of ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’.
2. Remarks by Guests:
UN Resident Coordinator, Velerie Julliand, expressed her happiness for the grand success of ODF Nepal. She explicitly stated that the ODF declaration process has followed the due certification protocol. She highlighted the role of Community-Led Total Sanitation approach and Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan 2011 as well as a wide range of stakeholders including government, development partners, media, civil society organizations, local networks, child clubs, mothers’ groups and users’ committee for this grand success. In the meantime, she indicated that maintaining the sustainability of hygiene behavior and promotion of safe water and safely managed sanitation system is key to achieve SDG target. Finally, she emphasized on need of total sanitation and stakeholders’ collaboration for sustaining the gains thus made.
Jeetendra Sonal, Honorable Minister of Physical Infrastructure Development of Province No.2, expressed his happiness to be a part and witness of the historical and glorious country ODF declaration ceremony. He added that the attainment of ODF status is a symbol of dignity and civilization. This is a big success but we have to promote post-ODF intervention to sustain the achievements of sanitation. He extended thanks to three tires of governments, Development Partners, security personnel, stakeholders, community and all the concerned stakeholders for their great contribution to the ODF campaign.
Honorable Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission, Dr. Pushpa Raj Kandel, congratulated all the stakeholders for their tireless efforts for country ODF declaration. He added that the Government of Nepal is committed towards national development through 25 years long term vision and 5 years plan, which will contribute to achieving a goal of ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’. He further emphasized the need for promoting safe water to all and total sanitation to achieve SDG goal by 2030. He also recognized the role of ODF in promoting public health and socio-economic development.
Honorable Minister of Health and Population, Surendra Yadav, congratulated to all for achieving country ODF situation. He indicated that ODF has a direct positive impact on reducing infectious diseases and promoting health. The role of MoWS is linked with other Ministries too. So, collaborative effort is essential for promoting water and sanitation. Finally, he committed that the Ministry of Health and Population will contribute to supporting post-ODF intervention in the days ahead.
Honorable Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, proudly shared that Karnali Province is free from ODF. He highlighted that ODF status is a symbol of health and civilization. But he emphasized that up-gradation of the temporary toilet to permanent one and provision of drinking water should be the prime agenda to sustain ODF in general and in Karnali Province in particular. In the meantime, he noted that special attention is being given to promote appropriate toilets for nomadic Raute Tribe residing in the Karnali Province.
Page. 24 Honorable Minister of Urban Development, Mohamed Istiyak Rai, appreciated the key role of the three tiers of the government to achieve the country ODF situation. He added that attainment of ODF is a great achievement on the way to ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’.
3. Special Remarks:
Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, stated that today is the important day for moving one step ahead of success and he further added that this event has brought us in a new height and turning point of national development. Rt’Honorable Prime Minister gave credit to sanitation intervention to reduce annual child mortality from 7000 (in 2000) to 1200 (now) and he lime lighted the role of country ODF declaration to move the nation one step ahead. Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister opined that the sanitation initiative has contributed to emancipate communities from uncivilized acts of open defecation, reduce child mortality and reduce the cost of medical treatment for communicable diseases. Further, Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister dreams for ensuring a clean and healthy household, village, community, and entire nation through total sanitation and SDG target of 2030. Finally, Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister thanked all stakeholders and Nepalese who were engaged in ODF campaign and indicated the need of promoting awareness and standards of development and dignity to build the clean nation through country’s own effort. Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister urged to make Nepal a ‘street human free’ and ‘poor free’ country too for ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’. In the end, Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister Read the Declaration Letter and declared Nepal as an ODF Nation and also urged to all to engage in the national level mega campaign of total sanitation for achieving the SDG target by 2030.
4. Closing Remarks:
Honorable Minister of Water Supply, Beena Magar, heartily extended thanks to Rt’ Honorable Prime Minister for his gracious presence in the historical country ODF declaration ceremony and also thanked all stakeholders for their continuous support towards ODF and Total Sanitation initiatives.
Honorable Minister highlighted that National Sanitation Week Campaign, School and Community-led Total sanitation approaches, International Year of Sanitation 2008 initiative, Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan 2011, collaboration of cross-sector stakeholder and community’s wider engagement remained instrumental for achieving the remarkable success of country ODF situation even though the sanitation activities were adversely affected by the destructive earthquake and flood, water scarcity, poverty and landlessness, traditional cultural dogmas, etc. She focused on the need for formulation of Total Sanitation Master Plan, Total Sanitation intervention and launching of an educational and awareness campaign in order for sustaining ODF status, promoting hygiene behavior and achieving Clean Nepal and thereby SDG target by 2030. She stated that ODF Nation has become a strong basis for achieving the national goal of ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’.
Page. 25 Strategy for Total sanitation
Background:
Open Defecation Free (ODF) concept initiated in Nepal after the introduction of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach in 2003 and School Led Total Sanitation (SLTS) in 2005. Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan (SHMP) was formulated in 2011 which provided a nationwide guideline with the target to declare ODF Nepal by 2017. The local body led ODF movement applied it immediately nationwide. Government of Nepal, in its annual program (FY 2019/20) set for declaring Nepal as an open defecation free country and implementing total sanitation program at the initiative of the local level.
All of the 77 districts of Nepal had completed the declaration process by 17 September 2019. Based on this, the Ministry of Water Supply decided to organize ceremony on 30 September 2019 for declaring Nepal as ODF nation.
ODF Nation:
As required by SHMP 2011, sector partners including government and nongovernment organizations were involved in a unified ODF campaign mainly at district level joining D-WASH-CC for supporting communities. The movement was localized up to Palika level. The campaign addressed behavioral, social, technical, environmental barriers on sanitation and hygiene. The sanitation campaign also addressed the financial issues of people in difficulties for various reasons. People constructed toilets meeting minimum standards and stopped open defecation with community’s own efforts. When every household owned toilet in their homes and institutional toilet at public places, local levels declared their designated area as ODF Palika based on the monitoring and recommendation of D- WASH-CC. The districts were declared as ODF area on the basis of monitoring and recommendation of R-WASH-CC (Now P-WASH-CC). After declaration of ODF nation, no one will be allowed to defecate in the open places in the future. If there will be any situation compelling people to go to open defecation, Local Governments will take necessary action for sustaining ODF.
Strategy for the Total Sanitation:
The total sanitation program will be implemented nation-wide at Palika level with the aim to make clean Palika.
The concept of the clean household will be developed with an aim to achieve five indicators covering knowledge and practice of Handwashing, safe water, safe food, clean house and use of toilet. Palika will arrange for certifying HH as clean based on certification process developed at local level.
Certifying team for the clean household will include representatives from Palika, education, health, and women group.
Page. 26 The concept of clean environment will be developed with an aim to achieve clean Palika covering indicators: Solid waste management, Liquid waste management, Public toilet with sludge management, water safety plan and Greeneries as applicable.
Palika will have the vision and long term plan for each indicator. Once the acceptable level of a system is in place, Palika can be declared as clean.
Line ministry and the department will prepare guideline covering concept, principles, indicators, monitoring process and validation process for declaring Clean HH and Palika.
Concern ministry in the Pradesh will form the validation team for the evaluation of Palikas.
Palika needs to maintain the status of ODF. If there is any gap Palika needs to make a plan for bringing back to complete ODF state. Palika needs to regulate for people going to open defecation and support people not having toilets.
Palika will recognize one of the best HH from each ward of the Palika. Pradesh will recognize one of the best or clean Palika of the Pradesh and Center will recognize one of the best or clean Pradesh in the country each year.
Line ministry and the department will prepare technical and procedural guidelines for environmental sanitation and its component for the uniformity and minimum standard.
DWSSM will have a TS information system that will update the status of all 753 Palikas in terms of process, initiatives, and outcomes of TS indicators. There will be three focal people in each of the Palika including WASH focal person of Palika, WASH focal person of Pradesh/division and one focal person from one of the active NGOs or forums of NGO.
The sector needs to form the Working group and thematic group of each of the Total sanitation indicators for knowledge management, updating strategy.
This strategy becomes the basis for developing a strategy and working documents in line with existing guidelines in the context of ODF declaration.
Dissemination: Conference Model It would be better if a conference could be organized for sharing the experience of the ODF movement in Nepal and strategy for total sanitation and exchange similar experiences from SACOSAN countries and abroad. Proposed Duration: 3 days plus one-day field visits.
Participants: Participants of the conference will be sanitation actors from south Asian countries and abroad, sector partners, representatives from South Asian countries and abroad and national actors. About 400 participants will be invited including 200 from the country. Page. 27
Conference program:
Day 1: Journey to ODF movement
10:00-11:00 Grand opening
11:00-12:30 The journey of ODF movement by Nepal and India
12:30-14:00 Lunch break
14:00-15:30 Journey to ODF by Afganistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives. (Presentation and film)
15:30-16:30 Side event
Day 2: ODF National Declaration
10:00-11:30 Moving towards total sanitation by Nepal and India and other countries
11:30-13:00 Research papers (6 papers)
13:00-14:30 Lunch Break
14:30-16:00 Case studies 6 papers
16:00-17:00 Poster presentation
Day 3: Field Visits and Site Seeing
10:00-12:30 Field visit
12:30-14:00 Lunch at site
14:00-16:30 Site seeing
Venue: City hall(Kathmandu) or Fulbari (Pokhara) of conference hall (Lumbini)
Management: Conference secretariat will be established in DWSSM for communicating with national and international participants, program development and coordination. The event manager will be contracted for the overall management. The conference preparation team will be formed among government and sector partners.
Page. 28 Resource management: The cost of conference management will be covered jointly by government and sector partners. Participation costs will be covered by participants themselves or respecter sponsors.
Pre-conference meeting at Province level:
The pre-conference meeting will be organized at each of the seven Province for one day. The meeting will be participated by a representative from Palika (Chair or Vice-Chair and WASH focal person), representative or DDC and NGO active in the Province. Meeting will discuss on Total sanitation strategy and implementation modalities in the province. Meeting will also identify participation from Province for the conference.
Page. 29 Opinion survey after the ceremony: The opinion survey was requested to those who participated or registered after the ceremony. Fifty participants (including 20% online participants) response within three weeks of time.
Those who responded were 56% from NGO/INGO, 19% from Development partners, 10% from Government offices and the remaining 16 % from Palika, DDC, and volunteers. Respondent was 40% from Kathmandu and 60% from outside. Eighty percent responded observed ceremony onsite and remaining online and through posting of friends.
When asked to rate session in terms of 5 point rating scale participants lied Sanitation song with dance arranged by NSS mostly (4), then Sanitation drama: from dark to light- arranged by Khula Sansr (3.5) then declaration (3.5) and other sessions (3.2-3.4). Fifty percent of respondent rated highest score for the sanitation song with dance.
When asked to rate celebration in overall 30% respondents said that it was excellent (Highest possible), 56 percent good (to some height), 10% said normal and 2% said below expectation.
When asked about how systematic was the ceremony organized average ration on the five-point scale was 3.6.
When asked if the program changed their level of understanding about ODF 18 % said most clear, 42% said more clear, 36% said same and 2% confused.
When asked about the most attractive personality in the ceremony maximum people mentioned Prime Minister.
Page. 30 When asked if they support for a reward system for best Pradesh and District and Palika based on minimum slippage (census 2020) and most cleanliness 57 % said moral support, 10% said not sure 2% did not support and remaining said financial contribution for the fund (1000-5000).
When asked for what should be the focus model for total sanitation 72% said mix model 15% promotion model, 10% said regulation and 2% said, investment model.
When asked about organizing an international conference for sharing ODF declaration and Total Sanitation strategy 51 % said that it is most necessary, 19% said necessary, 24% said maybe, 2% said at the national level and none said that it is not necessary.
When asked to write one sentence about program respondent wrote: (Only unique sentence picked up)
Excellent results of togetherness.
Excellent
Why negative news and information floating in the media and social media?
Congratulation!
The selection and reward of the sanitation champions could be done far better. It seems 'mess'.
The program was well conducted and nicely executed.
Country made it
It was a fantastic event.
Timely action in the international arena!
This is a good program but needs a commitment to Total Sanitation.
The program was good and informative. a wonderful event.
Well organized, however, khaja distribution was unmanaged
Good program after a great achievement
Page. 31 Superb quality management and selection of activities.
The event was organized in a systematic manner.
The volunteer should also get the chance to say something
It is not so effective because 77 district participation was low
I was very impressed by the presentation made by DG regarding the province wise sanitation coverage.
Lower level recognition seems encouraged.
Page. 32 Annex
Districts with ODF dates
PN S.N DISTRICT ODF Date BS ODF Date AD Year
4 1 KASKI 2068/03/10 6/24/2011 2011 3 2 CHITWAN 2068/06/06 9/23/2011 2011 4 3 TANAHUN 2069/04/03 7/18/2012 2012 4 4 MYAGDI 2069/06/23 10/9/2012 2012 5 5 PYUTHAN 2069/12/16 3/29/2013 2013 4 6 PARBAT 2069/12/31 4/13/2013 2013
7 7 ACCHAM 2070/01/12 4/25/2013 2013 6 8 KALIKOT 2070/02/26 6/9/2013 2013 3 9 MAKWANPUR 2070/04/04 7/19/2013 2013 3 10 BHAKTAPUR 2070/07/18 11/4/2013 2013
4 11 MUSTANG 2070/08/14 11/29/2013 2013 1 12 PANCHTHAR 2070/10/12 1/26/2014 2014 4 13 BAGLUNG 2070/10/16 1/30/2014 2014 5 14 DANG 2071/02/23 6/6/2014 2014
7 15 DADELDHURA 2071/02/24 6/7/2014 2014 7 16 BAJURA 2071/08/12 11/28/2014 2014 5 17 ARGHAKANCHI 2071/08/13 11/29/2014 2014 5 18 RUKUM (EAST) 2071/09/07 12/22/2014 2014
6 19 RUKUM (WEST) 2071/09/07 12/22/2014 2014 4 20 GORKHA 2071/09/16 12/31/2014 2014 6 21 JAJARKOT 2071/09/18 1/2/2015 2015 1 22 DHANKUTA 2071/09/30 1/14/2015 2015 4 23 LAMJUNG 2071/10/24 2/7/2015 2015 1 24 ILLAM 2071/11/14 2/26/2015 2015 5 25 BARDIYA 2072/02/29 6/12/2015 2015 6 26 DAILEKH 2072/03/07 6/22/2015 2015 4 27 NAWALPARASI (EAST) 2072/03/15 6/30/2015 2015 5 28 NAWALPARASI (WEST) 2072/03/15 6/30/2015 2015 5 29 GULMI 2072/03/26 7/11/2015 2015
Page. 33 5 30 ROLPA 2072/09/09 12/24/2015 2015
6 31 SURKHET 2072/09/14 12/29/2015 2015 1 32 TERHATHUM 2072/09/16 12/31/2015 2015 7 33 BAJHANG 2072/09/16 12/31/2015 2015 4 34 SYANGJA 2072/09/25 1/9/2016 2016
1 35 UDAYAPUR 2072/10/13 1/27/2016 2016 6 36 JUMLA 2072/11/20 3/3/2016 2016 1 37 KHOTANG 2073/02/07 5/20/2016 2016 1 38 TAPLEJUNG 2073/02/28 6/10/2016 2016
6 39 SALYAN 2073/03/17 7/1/2016 2016 7 40 BAITADI 2073/03/28 7/12/2016 2016 4 41 MANANG 2074/03/17 7/1/2017 2017 1 42 OKHALDHUNGA 2074/03/28 7/12/2017 2017 7 43 DOTI 2074/03/28 7/12/2017 2017 6 44 DOLPA 2074/07/09 10/26/2017 2017 6 45 HUMLA 2074/08/18 12/4/2017 2017 7 46 KANCHANPUR 2074/09/07 12/22/2017 2017 3 47 RASUWA 2074/09/16 12/31/2017 2017 2 48 SIRAHA 2074/12/09 3/23/2018 2018 2 49 SAPTARI 2074/12/21 4/4/2018 2018 5 50 PALPA 2074/12/24 4/7/2018 2018 3 51 SINDHULI 2075/01/13 4/26/2018 2018
7 52 DARCHULA 2075/01/25 5/8/2018 2018 7 53 KAILALI 2075/01/30 5/13/2018 2018 3 54 LALITPUR 2075/02/27 6/10/2018 2018 3 55 RAMECHHAP 2075/02/27 6/10/2018 2018
1 56 SANKHUWASABHA 2075/02/28 6/11/2018 2018 6 57 MUGU 2075/02/28 6/11/2018 2018 1 58 SUNSARI 2075/03/19 7/3/2018 2018 3 59 NUWAKOT 2075/03/28 7/12/2018 2018
5 60 BANKE 2075/03/28 7/12/2018 2018 5 61 RUPANDEHI 2075/09/06 12/21/2018 2018 1 62 JHAPA 2075/09/13 12/28/2018 2018
Page. 34 2 63 RAUTAHAT 2075/09/14 12/29/2018 2018
3 64 DHADING 2075/12/24 4/7/2019 2019 3 65 KAVREPALANCHOWK 2076/03/13 6/28/2019 2019 1 66 MORANG 2076/03/21 7/6/2019 2019 3 67 DOLAKHA 2076/05/12 8/29/2019 2019
3 68 SINDHUPALCHOWK 2076/05/20 9/6/2019 2019 2 72 BARA 2076/05/27 9/13/2019 2019 2 70 PARSA 2076/05/28 9/14/2019 2019 2 71 SARLAHI 2076/05/29 9/15/2019 2019
2 69 DHANUSHA 2076/05/30 9/16/2019 2019 2 73 MAHOTTARI 2076/05/30 9/16/2019 2019 5 75 KAPAILVASTU 2076/05/31 9/17/2019 2019 3 76 KATHMANDU 2076/05/31 9/17/2019 2019 1 74 BHOJPUR 2076/06/01 9/18/2019 2019 1 77 SOLUKHUMBU 2076/06/02 9/19/2019 2019
The trend of ODF movement (Chart map)
ODF% 100 80 60 40 20 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
ODF at the district level initiated from Kaski in the same year NSHMP was introduced. After the declaration of Chitwan, Tanahu and Myagdi trend raised up until 2015. EQ 2015 impacted in the process and slated for two years. ODF movement resumed again and went up until 2019 resulting ODF nation.
Page. 35 ODF Trend in Provinces 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 N
Before reconstitution, I line with before constitution Nepal had 3373 administrative units (VDC/Municipality) at the lowest level. Based on ODF of those units ODF movement in the various Province looks like in the chart above. Province 4 move forward and became ODF in 2015. Province 6 followed similar trend little later and became ODF in 2016. Province 5, 7 and 1 followed similar trend some time liter but trend went down after 2015. It may be because supporting partners focused on EQ affected area. Province 7 became ODF in 2018. Province 1 and 5 became ODF in 2019 only. Province 3 followed the below-average line and became ODF in 2019. Province 2 became active only after 2014 and followed maximum trend after 2017 and became ODF in 2019.
ODF Trend in Nepal 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Page. 36 Considering ODF of 3373 administrative units (VDC/Municipality) at the lowest level before the new constitution. ODF started in 2005. The trend of ODF rise from 2009 and took height from 2012. Trend fall down after 2015 due to EQ and resumed same trend from 2017 and became ODF in 2019.
District ODF initiated from Hills of the western region or that time. It moved up to far west following hills and then to east. Then ODF movement became active in lower part of mid and far west regions. Movement went up to Karnali and mountain regions. Finally movement became active in the eastern Terai.
100% 100% Nepal Sanitation Status 95% 87% 80% 82%
70%
60% 62%
46% 46% 40% 39% 40% 30% 25% DWSSM_Improved sanitation (supply side) 20% 20%
6% 0% 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 % population accesspopulation with to latrine% at a Year
Page. 37 The chart represents sanitation coverage in terms of % of HH covered with toilets. Before the 2011 coverage date mainly based on population survey or supply-side calculation of DWSSM. After 2011 data was based on report by districts based data from each of VDC/Municipality. Coverage continuously raised up since 2011 after introduction of masterplan which encouraged national wide movement for toilet constriction with aim to declare ODF.
Page. 38 Ceremony management team
SN Activity Line 2 Facilitation Key tasks
1 Hall Narayan Khanal/Diwakar Ghimire Check hall, reserve first row for management special guest, 5 rows for the guest, 20 for the reporters, 50 (Back for student). Guide arrange stage and accessories.
2 Participant Kabindra Karki/Chet Narayan Help general participants with the General necessary information, get ideas about the event from secretariat.
3 Participants: Namaste Lal Shrestha Bring students, guide them for Student seating and activity. Synchronize with a grand show
4 Registration Tej Kumar Pokhrel/Lok Bahadur Get list of registered participants, Khadka/Meena/Nutan/Niraj make blank copy, plan registration desk, arrange for registration, distribute material provided.
5 VIP Guest Secretary/DG Take care of VIP guest management
6 Guest participants DDG (RKD)/Maheswor Ghimire Take care of the guest, the guide for seating, provide information.
7 Banner, Bidya Nath/Ram Kumar Shrestha Guide EM for appropriate display, decoration Check the things in place, check for any controversy.
8 Sound system Bipin Thakur/ Rajendra Thakuri Guide Sound manager, check everything works
9 Water, food, Yam Bhusal/Siddhi/Kamal Help distribute materials, materials Adhikari/ Binod Bhujel/ Rishi Rimal registration, Waste management, sanitation.
10 Media desk Laxmi Prasad Upadhaya/Suman Arrange for media desk, site for Giri/Manisha interview and photography, provide information, take the interview with selected and
Page. 39 interested, guide NTV and Mega TV for live show
11 Reward Chowk Prasad Dhital/ Rameswor Checklist, arrange for display, recognition Ghimire/Bhojendra Aryal Prepare how to express (Kamal jee)
12 Culture: Song DDG (Meena Shrestha)/Ramesh Observe reseal, coordinate for Subedi accessories with EM, Help during 13 Culture: Drama, the show. declaration show
14 TV live Suman/Bipin Guide and link with necessary.
15 Video streaming Rajit Ojh/Suman/Bipin Guide and link with necessary. Provide link at the right place for the people to watch. Guide for coverage
16 Projector, video, Bipin Establish linkage photography
17 Photo exhibition Mahesh Neupane/ Madan Malla Select photo, provide to EM for printing, display in allocated place, arrange for the voting best photo
18 Presentation Sunil Kumar Das/Rajit Prepare a presentation, arrange Ojha/Bipin/Kamal for a presentation in including other presentations.
19 Traffic/security Bharat Mani Pandey/Chhabindra Coordinate with related and management Belbase make sure that it is managed
20 First session Kamal Adhikari/Sunil Kumar Lead the session, coordinate with Das/Sudan Panthi Minister, Secretary.
21 Second session Jagadis Kharel/Chandra KC Coordinate in line with the second session program.
22 AOB Devendra Jha Take care of emerging and missing management
Page. 40 ODF Nepal- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who constructed toilets?
In line with the Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan, the ODF campaign always moved as a non- subsidy campaign. People constructed toilets on their own cost meeting minimum standard. In some community, local levels (VDC/Municipality, Palikas) supported toilet materials-- mainly external materials (Pan, rings, pipes, etc) for the poorest of poor families based on the recommendation of V/M-WASH-CC. Sector agencies involved in the field helped people to be ready to construct a toilet. As the campaign started, people moved on their own.
2. How the VDC/Municipality/Palika was declared ODF?
Local Levels were declared as ODF when all HH in the territory constructed and used the toilet. V/M- WASH-CC requested to D-WASH-CC for monitoring and validation. D-WASH-C monitored, validated and approved for ODF declaration. Monitoring team of D-WASHCC involved officials from the District Administration Office, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and other journalists who are the watchdogs in the district. V-WASH-CC organized the declaration ceremony. It is actually an oath- taking ceremony by the people that they will not defecate in the open & use toilet, will not let any other to do open defecation in their territory. It is basically people who declare their territory as ODF, other agencies and guests are just a witness of the ceremony.
3. How the district was declared ODF?
When all of the VDC/Municipality/Palikas in the districts were declared ODF, DWASHCC requested regional or provincial Level WASH-CC (R-WASH-CC/P-WASH-CC) for validation. After the due process (monitoring), it was approved for declaration. D-WASH-CC declared district as an ODF with a grand ceremony.
Before state restructuring, V-WASHCC was chaired by the chair of the local body (in absence by Secretary), D-WASH-CC by chair of DDC (in absence LDO ) and R-WASH-CC by Regional Administrator of Ministry of Home. Now the Palika WASH-CC is chaired by the chief or the Palika while it is secretary of Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development at Pradesh-WASH-CC and in some case it is Chief Secretary of the Province. Coordination committees are always inter agencies.
4. How the county will be declared ODF?
When all the districts of the country will be declared as ODF, National Sanitation and Hygiene Steering Committee will prepare for a country declaration program. The committee has set a target to declare the country as ODF on 13th Asoj 2076. MoWS as a lead ministry will organize the ceremony based on preparation done by the Preparatory Working Group (PWG) formed by joint sector agencies.
5. Is it a new concept of Nepal?
Page. 41 Developed countries mostly have 100% coverage of toilets but there is no system for declaring as ODF. South Asian countries started ODF concepts through SACOSAN conferences. Other regions in the world also have a similar system. So far, countries moving with the concept of ODF have not declared the whole country as ODF.
SDG assumed ODF as the initial target towards total sanitation. It has not developed criteria for declaring the country as ODF. It will be a matter of discussion when Nepal declares ODF.
Anyway, there will not be any process involving external evaluation on ODF. It is commonly accepted criteria that progress on water sanitation will be based on a result of the population survey carried by the country. External evaluation can be carried for a particular program or program development purpose only.
6. Some districts were declared ODF before ten years. How to become sure that they are still in ODF status?
Nepal will conduct a census survey in 2020. Sanitation status will also be included. The real situation of Palikas will come after then. Palika has one year of time to prove or validate their quality of ODF in its Palika.
7. What happens if any of the Palika fails?
The government/sector will come out with criteria for acceptance as ODF with some tolerance. However, there will be some warning systems for improvement within some time period. This is a matter of discussion. The global sector can also have similar approaches. Global studies say sanitation will not be effective below 98%. However, tolerance should not be more than one percent for the country.
8. What percentage of slippage is likely in Nepal?
A nationwide survey has not been carried so far. Since the foundation of the sanitation campaign in Nepal is based on intervention to behavioral, socio-cultural and technical barriers than direct intervention to toilet construction. In that context, slippage is less likely and easy to control at Palika levels.
9. Can Palika control open defecation?
Palika always can regulate for open defecation under environmental regulation. But, it will be possible only when all the HH have toilets. The municipality also needs to construct sufficient public toilets and regulate all kinds of business activities to have sufficient toilets. 10. What is the meaning of ODF if the fecal sludge is flowing to a river or solid waste is not yet managed?
The movement of Nepal is for Total sanitation (aiming Clean Nepal). ODF or constructing toilet is just a preliminary requisite of sanitation campaign. Sanitation campaign moved fast with the force of people and leadership of local bodies with an aim to declare ODF. Hence, the ODF campaign targeted
Page. 42 that every household has toilet and no need to go for open defecation. If there is insufficient provision of toilets at public places and workspaces people may have to go to open defecation when they are out of house. This is matter of control by Palikas. ODF declaration part helps them control OD and partly add responsibility to add facilities.
11. Can DWASHCC declare district ODF forcefully?
No. Every Palikas must declare ODF formally. Some Palikas may have declared ODF in the same ceremony of District ODF declaration to minimize the cost of the ceremony. Few districts who declared ODF recently or declaring soon were in 100% coverage from a few years back. But some of the Palikas did not like to declare and the process of district declaration stopped. This is a process controlled by many agencies. It is not a matter of one sector or one line agencies or one level only.
12. What happens after the country ODF declaration?
ODF declaration means declaring the country free from open defecation principally. If there is any slippage, Palika needs to control it. ODF declaration ceremony will also put forward strategy for Total sanitation. Each of the Palika needs to make vision and plan for clean Palika covering household and environmental sanitation. Household sanitation covers five indicators mainly: Knowledge and practices of handwashing, safe water, safe food, waste management within house and use of the toilet. This is responsibility of Households. Palika needs to make a program for motivation and facilitation. Similarly Palika needs to make vision and plan for clean Palika with five indicators mainly: ODF with sufficient public toilets and sludge management, Liquid waste management, solid waste management, water safety plan, and greenness. This is responsibility of Palika with peoples' participation as required.
13. How to move towards total sanitation?
It may not move in the same way as it moved for ODF. HH sanitation is difficult to measure. Environment sanitation involves a lot of investment and management continuously. Since Palikas have authority and resources they can have it gradually if proper guidance is provided.
14. What is the role of NGOs who gained knowledge in the ODF movement?
NGOs can still play a role in motivating people for Total sanitation at HH level covering a Palika. Based on their funding capacity and technical capacity they can support one or more municipalities for one or more aspects of environmental sanitation.
15. Does Palika need to declare as total sanitation Palika?
After meeting minimum standards, Palika can self-declare as clean Palika. There will be a system for validation based on minimum criteria.
16. Is there any reward system for the best performance?
Page. 43 Palika can select the best HH in the ward and best ward in the Palika. Pradesh can select the best Palika in the Pradesh and Sector Ministry can select best Pradesh in the country on an annual basis. This will encourage gradual improvement in learning from the best practices.
17. What is the cost of ODF?
People spend Rs 5000-10000/HH for construction. Agencies spend 300-5000/HH for motivation in their core working areas. But many households constructed toilets because of the mass media influence and demonstration effects. In some exceptional cases, the VDC secretary did not involve any agencies for motivation.
Local Bodies/Governments spend up to 50% of the construction cost for 10-20 % HH (This is not an extra cost just sharing). There may be some mobilization costs at the district and center. Study shows up to 8 times benefit which goes directly to people without discrimination, a best-allocated benefit. But the benefit of ODF is only 40 of Total sanitation.
18. Why is the ODF Declaration Ceremony at the country level important?
ODF movement went up with the slogan of sanitation for health, dignity, and development. Country- level ODF declaration is for recognizing the declaration of all of the 77 districts. It is for respecting those 6 million households who constructed a toilet and stopped defecation in open space.
19. Why is the country so hurried for ODF declaration?
The government has already decided to declare the country as ODF and move towards total sanitation through the national program (2076/77). Seeing the trend in remaining districts, it was possible. Decision made for country-level declaration also helped to activate remaining districts and remaining households (1-2%) in those districts and they did it.
20. What are the outcomes of the ODF movement?
The country as a whole became free from feces in the open spaces. People became conscious that feces going to open spaces indirectly are also a problem. Women and children and elders felt a great change in terms of safety. Women, especially in Terai, felt comfortable with the toilet, did not have to control food and suffer from gastric or malnutrition. Some of the districts who declared ODF earlier reported that cases of diarrhea went down significantly. DHS survey data indicated that the level of stunting fell down which is equally linked to contamination. People in many communities felt that-- ODF movement mixed the diverse community through common campaigns and similar standards of toilets. Local body realized the responsibility and gained idea about one of the visions of Palika i.e. Total sanitation beyond ODF.
21. What was the role of media in the ODF movement?
Media played a great role at the local level. Local media became an integral part of the movement in all of the districts. They looked at as a matter of responsibility for their districts and as a pride of the districts. The informal survey indicated that people played 50% role, supporting agencies played 20% and media played 30 percent role in the overall movement. Media intensified the outcomes and its Page. 44 chain effect. They motivated people for the self-initiation in their own way. They communicated in their own languages based on their own culture everything understandable to people.
22. What was the role of political leaders?
Political leaders are not different from people. They are part of the community. They always addressed the demand of people to the extent possible. When the sanitation or OD was not an issue for the people, it was not an issue for them too. Hence, supporting agencies always tried to motivate the leader first. Once the leaders are motivated, movement at the local level moved with the engine. Movement in the Terai started lately but moved fast because of the initiations of local leaders. 23. If people have to construct toilets by themselves why so much investment in the program?
This is the cost of education, awareness, and consciousness of the need for health and dignity. If people were self-conscious, much cost could have been saved. Many VDC minimized the awareness cost and went directly to toilet construction or created awareness through the mobilization of existing women group. Movement in the neighboring districts or communities worked indirectly. The cost of movement in Nepal is minimum in comparison to countries striving for ODF.
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