Report on Annual Review CIM Assessment & Engagement

Government of Nepal Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development Office of District Development Committee Rural Access Programme (RAP 3) Parbat

Report on Annual Review CIM Assessment & Engagement Strategy Workshop

2073/74

Venue: DCC Hall Kusma Date: 13th September, 2017

CONTENTS

Table of Contents ...... i Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... ii

PART I. CIM Assessment And Annual Review ...... 1 1. BACKGROUND ...... 1 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP ...... 1 A. Continual Improvement Matrix(CIM) Assessment ...... 1 B. ANNUAL REVIEW: ...... 3

PART II. ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY WORKSHOP ...... 5 1. Background & Context ...... 5 2. Objective of the Field Mission ...... 5 3. Expected Outcome of the Mission ...... 5 4. Summary of Activities ...... 6 4.1. Pre-workshop activities ...... 6 4.2. Workshop Proceedings ...... 6 4.2.1. Opening Session ...... 6 4.2.2. Discussion Session ...... 6 4.2.3. Findings of the Workshop ...... 7 4.2.4. Closing Session ...... 14 4.2.5. Key Outputs of the Workshop ...... 14 4.2.6. Workshop Expenditure ...... 15 5. Challenges and Opportunities ...... 15 5.1 Challenges...... 16 5.2 Opportunities ...... 16

Appendices ...... 18 Appendix-1: Workshop Field Itinerary ...... 18 Appendix-2: Workshop Schedule ...... 19 Appendix-3: Workshop Expenditure ...... 20 Appendix-4: Workshop Photographs ...... 21 Appendix-5: Workshop Participants ...... 26

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ARAMP Annual Road Maintenance Plan ARW Annual Review Workshop ASP Annual Support Plan CDM Connect District Manager CDO Chief District Officer CIM Continual Improvement Matrix CPD Continual Professional Development DCC District Coordination Committee DDC District Development Committee DE District Engineer DFID Department for International Development DRCN District Road Core Network DTO District Technical Office EW Engagement Workshop FY Fiscal year GE Graduate Engineer GoN Government of Nepal HQ Head Quarters IA Internal Auditor LDO Local Development Officer LRN Local Road Network MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NPC National Planning Commission RAP3 Rural Access Programme- Phase3 RMGs Road Maintenance Groups SDO Social Development Officer SMGs Specific Maintenance Groups TMO Technical Management Office UCs User’s Committee

PART I: CIM ASSESSMENT AND ANNUAL REVIEW

1. BACKGROUND

Parbat is one of the RAP 3 pilot districts for maintenance work. DDC Parbat has shown commitment to implement the plans of RAP3 by giving priority on DRCN maintenance as per the approved ARAMP. All together 32 numbers of DRCN roads are in the district out of which RAP 3 is monitoring RMG’s working in all 32 roads.

The annual progress review workshop of RAP3 activities of FY 073/074 was organized for DCC technical members, R/Municipality representatives, stakeholders and line agencies on 13th September 2017. The Program was divided into Parts.

A. Continual Improvement Matrix(CIM) assessment was scheduled at 8:30 AM, September 12th B. Annual Review & Engagement Strategy Workshop was scheduled at 8:30 AM, September 13th

2. OBJECTIVES OF WORKSHOP

To review annual maintenance progress of RAP3 of FY 073/74. To share implementation modalities. To share overall program and budget allocation. To get feedbacks/suggestions from participants and incorporating fruitful suggestions on next year’s planning.

A. CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT MATRIX (CIM) ASSESSMENT:

Introduction:

Continual Improvement Matrix (CIM) is an important management tool which allows an organization to identify its weakness as well as find out its strength so that more stress could be made in weak area. It also helps to pinpoint where District Coordination Committee/District Technical Office stand in Rural Transport Infrastructure Sector Wide Approach. Further, RAP3 based on the CIM score in different key elements can develop Annual Support Plan for strengthening the weaker areas of DCC/DTO. CIM Assessment:

Continual Improvement Matrix (CIM) of DCC/DTO is conducted annually and RAP3 facilitates the assessment while DCC/DTO officials score on different elements through intensive discussion after reaching consensus. The CIM Assessment of DCC Parbat for 2017 (FY 073/74) was carried out in Chairpersonship of Local Development Officer, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Bhusal, in his office room on 12th September, 2017. There were altogether 11 participants including, LDO, Act District Chief Engineer, Engineers, Social mobilization Officer, Account Officer, Programme Officers and RAP3 DTA team members. Mitra Shrestha, LRN Engineer, provided the background of CIM to the participants as well as explained the key elements of CIM. Graduate Engineer, Neelam Thapa mentioned the previous year’s score of different key elements of thematic area for facilitating the assessment. DCC/DTO officials then discussed and scored different key elements of thematic area based on proper reasoning for arriving at that particular score.

The average score of CIM for 2017 (FY 073/74) is 7.18 which is more than previous year’s CIM score of 6.47. After assessment was completed it was signed by all the participants for its subsequent validation. Conclusion:

Local Development Officer made formal closing of CIM assessment after scoring was completed and average score of FY 073/74 was determined. He thanked RAP3 team for facilitating the CIM assessment. He also mentioned that an organization should always try to work as a team for better output.

The details of CIM matrix is attached in next page.

B. ANNUAL REVIEW

District Annual Review is held every year by Rural Access Programme (RAP3) in its working districts wherein the details of work progress achieved and expenditures made during that year, details of Annual Support Plan, different activities carried out by RAP3 towards capacity building of DCC/DTO staff etc. are presented before participants which includes representative from political parties, DCC/DTO officials, Chief District Officer, journalists, local NGOs and other organization in the district. Program’s commitment towards preserving transparency is further strengthened by organizing such annual review. However, this year due to the transition of nation into federal system with establishment of Municipalities and Rural Municipalities in the district, time frame of every programme has been affected. So, this year Annual Review of RAP3 was scheduled to be completed on 13th September 2017. Further to develop the new engagement strategies with new R/Municipalities following the restructuring in federal system, District Engagement Strategies session was also conducted utilizing the occasion of Annual Review.

District Annual Review and District Engagement Workshop of Rural Access Programme (RAP3), Parbat was held on 13th September 2017 under the chairpersonship of Mr. Manohar Biswokarma Poudel, DCC Chairperson. Altogether 64 participants including Chief District Officer, DCC Vice Chairperson, other DCC members, Local Development Officer, Act. Chief District Engineer, Mayors/Vice Mayors, Executive officers of Municipalities, Chairpersons/Vice Chairpersons, Executive Officers and technical personnel of different Rural Municipalities, Chairperson of Nepal Journalist Council, DCC/DTO officials, RAP3 DTA team and TMO facilitator for Parbat, Mr. Mitra Shrestha attended the workshop.

Social Mobiliser Officer of DCC, Mr. Prakash Lamsal played the role of facilitator of the entire workshop. The programme began with citing of National Anthem. Act Chief District Engineer, Mr Laxmi Prasad Bhandari, welcomed all participants as well as explained the objectives of the programme. Graduate Engineer, Ms. Neelam Thapa then gave presentation on Introduction of RAP3 mainly focusing on its objectives, implementation procedures, relation with different stakeholders at different level, working districts, monitoring visits done, lesson learnt and challenges for future works etc. Afterwards, she also presented details of work progress achieved during the fiscal year 2073/2074 including Annual Support Plan(ASP) and its expenses.

After all the presentations, the floor was open for discussions. The suggestions, queries, comments, and feedback of participants are recorded in the table below.

S.N Name Comments/Suggestions/feedback 1 Mr. Raju Psd Poudel,  Condition of DRCNs roads have not improved Chairperson of despite the formation of DTMP which was supposed Mahashila Rural to make DRCNs road all weather and up to Municipality maintainable standard i.e up to gravel surface.

 Work not done as outlined in DTMP. So, he questioned what the purpose of making DTMP is.

 RAP3 promised many things but no any significant improvement in DRCNs.

 Lack of proper inventory of DRCN showing road condition at different location is very irresponsible and DTO should also be liable for this.

2 Mr. Padam Pani  Silmi-Thulipokhari-Karkineta Improvement road Sharma, Mayor of project is only 87% complete despite three extension Phalebas Municipality of time.

 Even after improvement works road still same.

 RAP3 should focus on improvement of entire road length at a time.

 Road width 4.5m in hill road not sufficient and should be increased. 3 Mr. Kamal Pd Bhusal,  RMG doing good work in taking care of different Chairperson of Bihadi conditions of roads. Rural Municipality  RMG should be continued and even their input should be increased as well.

 Co-ordination with local level should be made during RMG implementation. 4 Mr. Gyan Bdr  Contractor’s low bid tendency affect the quality of Bhandari, DCC works. Reformation should be made in policy and council member contractor should be allowed to work in full engineer’s estimate amount and no compromise in quality should be made.

After the feedback session, Mr. Laxmi Prasad Bhandari, Chief District Engineer, Mitra Shrestha, LRN Engineer, RAP/TMO and Ms. Neelam Thapa, Graduate Engineer DTA Parbat clarified the queries raised during the discussion. All the advices and suggestions of the program were positively acknowledged by RAP 3. LRN Engineer clarified about the RMGs works and working procedure/modality. Then, Ms. Neelam Thapa highlighted the future involvement of RAP 3 in Parbat district and highlighted about the strengthening of RMG. Mr. Laxmi Prasad Bhandari, DE clarified the technical queries of the participants. He added that the involvement of R/Municipalities in RMG work monitoring would improve the effectiveness of the routine and recurrent maintenance in the district.

The major topic of discussion in the review was the planning process with DTMP update for new federal system in local level. Lack of adequate fund for maintenance works, poor quality of works in improvement works, low bidding system in contract work etc. The handover of RMG to the local bodies without any budgetary provisions and minimal technical work force also came into discussion during the review.

All participants were enlightened with the need for maintenance in the road sector. The budget and finances of the RAP3 maintenance work for fiscal year 073/74 were also made transparent to the participants. Valuable feedbacks, suggestions and comments from the participants were received, which will be very helpful in project implementation in coming days. RAP3 staffs contemplated the issues, challenges & lesson learnt and the whole team was determined to avoid the mistakes in future.

Part II: ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY WORKSHOP

1. BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

Following the signing of Bi-lateral agreement between the Government of Nepal (GoN) and the Department for International Development (DFID) in 2015, the Rural Access Programme Phase 3 (RAP 3) extension is being implemented in 14 districts1 of Nepal. Following the introduction of a federal government set up and local elections in 2017, one of the important start-up activities of RAP 3 extension was to introduce itself among its municipal stakeholders in project DCCs. This was carried out through Engagement Workshops (EW) in all RAP 3 DCCs. The purpose of this event, besides introducing RAP 3 to municipal stakeholders, was to get important information and feedback from the municipal stakeholders on the key issues/problems that may be hindering the project implementation process, specifically related to Local Road Networks (LRN), which is one of the major thematic components of RAP 3.

To carry out engagement workshops, 12 teams were deployed in 14 DCCs: one team for each maintenance DCC and two teams for the four-new construction DCCs. This report details out the activities carried out by the team, responsible for Parbat DCC. The field itinerary of the team is in Appendix-1.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE FIELD MISSION

The overall objective of the field mission was to get a general idea on development status of the new R/municipalities, their problems and needs and initiate engaging potential municipal stakeholders in the RAP 3 implementation process. Specifically, the mission aimed at:

 Rapport building with the municipal level stakeholders,  Informing municipal stakeholders about the overall programme objective, scope and implementation modalities of the RAP 3,  Identifying key development issues/problems prevailing in the municipalities in general,  Identifying general idea to resolve the existing issues/problems,  Collecting socio-economic and physical infrastructure data/information to understand the base line scenario,  Identifying local risks that may impair programme delivery,

3. EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE MISSION

The mission expected to contribute to the following:

 Municipal stakeholders are acquainted with RAP 3,  Key issues/problems impairing development of LRN are identified,

1 Nine core districts (Dadeldhura, Doti, Achham, Dailekh, Bajura, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu & Humla) and five non-core districts (Jhapa, Morang, Parbat, Parbat & Sindhupalanchowk).

 Ways and means to resolve the problems / issues are identified,  Necessary data/information is collected to understand the baseline scenario of the municipalities,  Local risk identified,

4. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

4.1. PRE-WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES The RAP3/TMO facilitator Mr. Mitra Shrestha-LRN Engineer reached at Kusma headquarter of Parbat on 11th September 2017, and held informal meeting with RAP district team and DCC officials2 on the next day i.e. 12th September 2017. The outcomes of these meetings were:

 Workshop schedule revisited and finalized,  Invitees list revisited and finalized,  Provided support to the DCC for preparing their presentation materials for the workshop,  Sector offices are marked for group discussion as per their working area and sector relevance with respect to RAP 3 themes,  Workshop Venue, logistics, breakfast and lunch were finalized.

4.2. WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS The Engagement Workshop was conducted on 13th September, 2017. The workshop succeeded the district annual review program. The Annual review provided an introduction to the workshop. Participants were briefed about the workshop at the end of the annual review program. The workshop schedule is presented in Appendix-4. Below is the summary of the workshop proceedings.

4.2.1. Opening Session This session was chaired by Mr. Manohar Biswokarma Poudel, Chairperson, District Coordination Committee (DCC), Parbat. The engagement workshop started after finishing the Annual Review workshop. The same participants of the ARW were participants of the engagement workshop. During the welcome speech Mr. Bishnu Prasad Bhusal, LDO, DCC Parbat had highlighted about engagement workshop and DE, Mr. Laxmi Prasad Bhandari made clarity on participants queries.

4.2.2. Discussion Session The discussion session started with a brief presentation on the methodology of the workshop and its focal points. The workshop facilitator from RAP 3 TMO, was Mr. Mitra Shrestha, LRN Engineer. Before the group work began, Mr. Shrestha briefed participants on the thematic areas that needs to be discussed and the method of prioritizing the issues. The participants were divided into 3 groups in a random manner. All 3 groups were given the same subject

2 Bishnu Pd. Bhusal (LDO), Laxmi Pd. Bhandari (DTO Chief), Prakash Lamsal (Program Officer),

matters (area of discussion) and each of the groups were given a place for a brainstorming session in the meeting hall. The TMO representative, DE and the LDO aided in clarifying any doubts the participants had during the brainstorming session. The group discussion session was halted for lunch and continued after lunch. After the discussion, participants were given brown paper to write down their conclusions drawn from discussion on the thematic areas for the presentation on the floor. Each group had a representative who presented on the group’s behalf.

4.2.3. Findings of the Workshop The findings of the groups are presented in the table below. The results presented here are the summary of the presentations of all the three groups combined

Engagement Strategy Workshop 2017 District: Parbat

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks 1. Land rights/compensation policy 1. (i) Land rights/compensation policy to be reformulated and enforced. (ii) Land pooling system policy for affected poor people for reinstating at appropriate location of the 2. Less effective existing M & E policy Rural/Municipality to be formulated and enforced. 3. Review/updating HR policy 2. New effective M&E policy compatible for federal system to be reformulated. 4. Fund/resource raising and 3. New HR policy for local level generation policy government suitability for federal system to be formulated and DCC/DTO/Line 1 Policy enforced. Ministries/NPC 4. New policy to federal system for fund raising and resource 5. Contract/tender/bidding policy generation to be formulated (e.g. toll

tax policy, donor to local level direct 6. Reform of all existing policies of fund receiving policy, fund transfer different development sectors. policy etc. 5. Revision of contract act and regulation. No provision of low bidding system which has been a great problem of low quality of works. 6. Rural/Municipality cantered policies

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks of all development sectors have to be formulated/reformulated.

1. Too many projects selection for 1. Projects should be selected in implementation which creates priority basis. problem due to lack of adequate fund (Budget spreading) 2. Project selection to be participatory 2. Selection of projects in ad-hoc basis method (need based). without participation of local people. 3. Each Rural/Municipality has to 3. Lack of review/updating of transport review/update/prepare own master plan in new change context transport master plan with carrying DCC/DTO/Line (federal system). out road inventory survey. 2 Planning Ministries/NPC

/R/Municipalities 4. Environmental Management 4. Lack of Environmental Management Plan(EMP) together with Quality Plan(EMP) together with Quality Management plan has to be Management plan in initial planning prepared in initial planning phase. phase. 5. Local level periodic plan (Short 5. Lack of local level periodic plan term, medium term and long-term (Short term, medium term and long- plan) at local level to be formulated. term plan)

Implementation 1. Lack of awareness programme to 1. Adequate awareness programme to DCC/R/Municipalities 3 (maintenance, public of project corridors in terms the public of project corridors to be /UCs and other upgrading, of land compensation, land conducted before starting of the projects

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks sustainability) management, environment projects so that public hinderance assessment etc. during the implementation time will be less. 2. Lack of competent and required 2. Conduction of regular training with technical human resources at local follow-up and other capacity level. building activities with exposure visits to the technical staffs. 3. Project implementation without 3. Timely and proper conduct of Detail Project Reports(DPR) and survey, design and preparation of also in some cases prepared DPR DPR before project implementation is not followed properly. and strictly follow of prepared DPR. 4. Provision of sufficient construction 4. Lack of adequate construction equipment, tools and machines. equipment, tools and machines. 5. Management of sufficient fund and 5. Lack of fund as per requirement timely release of allocated budget to and delay release of allocated complete the targeted works in time. budget hampers in timely completion of the targeted works. 6. Environment Assessment(IEE/EIA) with proper Environmental 6. No proper quality management plan Management Plan(EMP) and as well as environmental problems Quality Management Plan has to be arise during implementation of the prepared before starting of the projects. projects.

1. Lack of adequate fund and less 1. Rural/Municipality has to develop its 4 Funding sources of generating fund. own projects with formulating terms DCC/MoFALD/Donor and conditions and request fund to

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks central/providence government and donor agencies for increasing fund. Likewise, for generating more fund at local level, Rural/Municipality to seek other sources e.g. toll tax, levies, harnessing existing natural

resources etc. 2. Delay budget transfer from centre. 2. Rural/Municipality has to request 3. Lack of proper financial timely disbursement of allocated management mechanism for budget. stopping misuse of fund/budget. 3. To develop/establish effective financial management mechanism 4. Lack of adequate management cost for stopping fund misuse and for user committee while corruption. implementing projects in UC modality. 4. Project guideline to be revised with

provision of adequate management

cost for user committee while 5. Lack of adequate fund for implementing projects in UC equipment and logistic supports e.g. modality. survey equipment, vehicle with fuel,

motorbikes etc. 5. Proper management of required fund for procurement of logistic supports as mentioned. Organisational 1. Yet not established office buildings 1. Well-equipped offices of all line DCC/DTO/R/ 5 Structure (GoN & and other logistic supports at local agencies to be established at each Municipalities/ Private) level. Rural/Municipality. MoFALD

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks

2. Lack of trained/competent human 2. Skilled technical as well as non- resources in different line agencies technical staff to be posted/recruited to provide service at local level. for providing services to different sectors at local level. 3. Lack of proper/effective coordination/communication 3. Well mechanism of mechanism in all level. coordination/communication from DCC to local level to be established. 4. No maintenance unit for RTIs at local level. 4. Maintenance unit should be established at each Rural/Municipality for sustainable maintenance of RTI sector. 5. Less involvement of private sector (local consultants, NGOs, CBOs, 5. Each Rural/Municipality should construction company, NGOs etc.) involve private sector force (e.g. for development works. local consultants, construction companies, NGOs, CBOs, INGOs etc.)

1. Lack of honesty of everyone at 1. Everyone involved in M/E events every level for effective monitoring has to be honesty. DCC/DTO/R/ Monitoring and and evaluation. Municipalities/ 6 Evaluation 2. Visit frequency for M/E has to be MoFALD/Line 2. Less frequency of visits at all increased as per need. Agencies project sites.

S.N. Thematic Areas Top 5 Issues Possible Solutions Remarks 3. Strong and effective M/E mechanism to be established with 3. Lack of strong and effective M/E active involvement of DCC to local mechanism from DCC to local level. level representatives.

4. Provision of adequate logistic 4. Lack of adequate logistic supports supports e.g. vehicles, fuel, e.g. vehicles, fuel, motorbikes etc. motorbikes etc. to meet requirement for timely visit for M/E purpose at all of frequent project sites visit for M & project sites. E purpose.

5. Report of each M & E visit to be 5. M & E report not prepared, prepared, recorded and reviewed. reviewed and recorded.

After the completion of the presentation the facilitator, Mr. Mitra Shrestha highlighted the key points in each of the thematic areas. The floor was then open for any queries, suggestions, and feedback.

4.2.4. Closing Session In closing session, on behalf of participants of the workshop, Mr. Padam Pani Sharma, Mayor of Phalebas Municipality highlighted the problems faced by the newly formed local bodies. He emphasised on the lack of ample resources (physical, financial and human) in their R/municipalities and needs of strong commitment from all concerned to manage in line with new federal system of Nepal. He also expressed thank to RAP3 for organizing engagement workshop and hoped that RAP will support in future for sustainable development in RTI sector of all newly transformed R/municipalities of Parbat District.

Likewise, Mr. Bishnu Pd. Bhusal, Local Development Officer (LDO) mentioned that RMG work with effective supervision is very instrumental in maintaining the DRCN roads condition for regular vehicle movement. He also emphasized that road improvement works should also be carried out simultaneously to upgrade the road for all weather condition.

Finally, closing of workshop was done by DCC Chairperson, Mr. Manohar Biswokarma Poudel. He mentioned Annual Review helps local stakeholders and other people to learn about the work progress made by any Programme and also is a practice of maintaining transparency. He also added that implementation of RMG in DRCN road helps in immediately responding to conditions of road like pot holes filling, clearing drains, draining water away from road surface etc. He also added he himself saw RMGs work during field visit. He expressed heartfelt thanks to RAP3 for organising such engagement workshop providing a common platform to all R/Municipalities of the District. He added that the RAP has had a tremendous positive impact in the overall infrastructural development of the district and hoped that the program would still continue in the coming years. At last he remarked successful completion of workshop and closed the workshop with thanks to all who participated and contributed in the workshop with patience.

4.2.5. Key Outputs of the Workshop Key outputs of the workshop are:

 The workshop participants had a common understanding about the overall objectives and scope of RAP 3.  The process of engaging key district stakeholders in different areas was initiated.  Major development issues in the areas of district road network, economic infrastructure and economic opportunities were identified.  Major areas of focus were identified like human resource and infrastructural pre- requisites.  A set of recommendations to resolve the major issues/problems obstructing the development were identified.

Summary of discussion is presented below. The common issues in all thematic sectors are:

 Non - harmonisation in policy; Inconsistency in policy and implementation. The identification and need of policies have not been delegated to the responsible agency. The newly formed R/Municipality are yet to clearly understand their own governing policies. Explanation of the areas of influence of the existing policies are yet to be understood by the R/Municipalities. Municipal jurisdiction is yet to be defined.  Haphazard planning process: Political influence in project selection, No sectorial and periodic plans, lack of feasibility study and detail project report of projects selected, Some plans donor contain activities based on the ground realities.  Prioritisation of projects: The projects have not been prioritised based on ground reality and the proposal for projects have not been on the need basis of the direct beneficiaries.  Improper implementation: Due to insufficient human resource capacity, lack of technology, tools and equipment, delayed authorisation of trimester budgets, political categorisation of areas within the district, implementation and quality management have been a major issue/problem.  Inadequate funding; Demands are more and resources are less, R/Municipalities lack internal resources due to limited revenue sources in the district, improper utilisation of available fund, delayed fund transfer from the national government/ministry(ies) and so forth.  Weak Organisational Infrastructure: Newly formed R/Municipalities are lacking the basic infrastructural pre- requisites like an office building, skilled local level office employees, lack of employees and lack of logistics for regular functioning.  Ineffective M & E due to less frequent, weak M & E system, M & E has not been effective. The subject matter experts rarely carry out M & E and feedbacks are not being materialised. Feedbacks are based on popular opinion rather than expert analysis. Monitoring for quality management is less but monitoring for formality purpose is seen at a higher frequency.

4.2.6. Workshop Expenditure The total cost of the AR/EW stands at NRs. 134,320.00, detail breakdown is presented in Appendix-3.

5. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This section deals with challenges and opportunities understood and observed in the Parbat District.

5.1 Challenges

 Non- engineered roads:

In Parbat, Majority of the roads are non-engineered. The road geometry of most roads is in a rather poor condition. The curves in most roads have a design radius that is well below the standard. The gradient of most roads exceeds the 12% exceptional gradient. These roads have a high maintenance cost and thus transport cost are excessive resulting in increased price in daily consumable goods.

 Geography and infrastructure:

The district is situated in the high hills to the south and the Pun Hill mountain range to the north. The soil classification is basically hard rock, red clayey soil and isolated boulders. In addition to the soil classification the hilly topography of the district makes infrastructure development very difficult. The amount of investment to achieve a significant progress in infrastructure development is very high.

 The Newly Formed Local bodies

After the local level election, Parbat has 5 rural municipalities and 2 municipalities. The elected representatives are still unknown of the budgetary provisions for their respective local body. This will ultimately result in delayed implementation of projects at the local level. Furthermore, these local bodies still lack the basic infrastructure needs like an office building, communication facilities, and proper human resource for daily office works. In addition to these existing problems, the popular understanding is that “All programs will be carried out by the local bodies”. This has added to the chaos, confusing the local bodies about their area of involvement and scope of work.

 Climate:

The district receives annual average rainfall of 2500 mm and it includes tropical, sub-tropical and temperate climatic zone. The district observes heavy pre- monsoon rainfall accompanied by lightning strikes. Pokhara is the highest rainfall occurring place in Nepal which is nearby the Parbat District. The monsoon period runs up to the month of October. This has heavy impact in the development of infrastructure. The working period for infrastructural development works is rather small. The district thus requires an efficient working modality for timely execution of development works.

5.2 Opportunities

 Physical Accessibility:

Parbat is easily accessible by air and road transport from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The road access to the district is sound as well. The Mid-hill highway runs east to west through Pokhara to Burtibang through Baglung.

 Development Opportunities:

Despite above challenges, there exist huge potential for development in Parbat. Owing to the recent connection of the district headquarter in all-weather strategic mid-hill highway; there seem many opportunities for local producers. The district has a high value cash crops, in addition to these, the northern part of the district is a home to indigenous herbs and potential medicinal plants. The Kaligandaki River flows on the western border which is used for rafting and generating hydro-power at Mirmi of Syangja District. This River is also a good source of sand and boulders. The Modi River has high potential for hydro- power generation – two hydro -projects have already generated power and other three are in pipeline.

Kusma, the District headquarter is located 57 km far from Pokhara at an altitude of 1294 m above sea level. Kusma Bazaar is a Market area belonging to Kusma. Kusma once served as an important trade route in between Pokhara and Baglung. Suspension Bridge Links Western Part of the Bazaar with Pipaltari. Pokhara Baglung Highway connects Kusma with the National Road.

Gupteswor Cave, also known as Bhaludulo, is located at an altitude of 1294m above sea level and is one of the longest caves of Nepal. It is located 0.6 km far from Kusma and thus lies at fifteen minutes walking distance far from Kusma. There are images of many Hindu gods and goddesses like Lord Shiva with his female counterpart Parvati and Saraswati (The goddess of learning). Waterfall and presence of bats inside the cave enrich the beauty of this cave. People from far and wide visit this cave especially during Chaite Dashain and Shivaratri.

Appendices

Appendix-1: Workshop Field Visit Itinerary

Transport Month Date Activities Mode Sept 11 Kathmandu - Pokhara- Kusma By Air / taxi Sept 12 Continual Improvement Matrix (CIM) assessment meeting at DCC Sept 13 Annual Review/Engagement Workshop Sept 14 Kusma- Pokhara- Kathmandu By Air / taxi

Appendix-2: Workshop Schedule

Time Activities Responsibility

8:00 to 9:00 Breakfast and Registration of Participants Programme Facilitator

Nomination of Chairperson of Programme and 9:00 to 9:10 Programme Facilitator Guest

9:10 to 9:25 Welcome Speech LDO

9:25 to 9:40 Workshop Objectives Chief District Engineer

Annual Progress Review Presentation, 9:40 to 11:00 Neelam Thapa, GE/DTO chief Discussion and Clarification on issues Municipal Engagement Strategy Presentation 11:00 to 12:00 Mitra Shrestha, LRN Engineer and Discussion 12:00 to 13:00 Lunch Break Group formation, Discussion in groups on Municipal Priority Issues of development with 13:00 to 15:15 Groups possible solutions of issues and Challenges/Opportunities. Groups presentation of findings, plenary 15:15 to 16:15 Groups discussion and concluding of group works

16:15 to 16:30 Tea Break

16:30 to 17:00 Closing Ceremony DCC Chairperson

Appendix 3: Workshop Expenditure:

The table below shows the expenses that occurred in the Annual Review and CIM workshop;

CIM Expenses

S.N. Description Amount Remarks

1 Meeting allowance 7,000.00

2 Tea, Breakfast and lunch 3,650.00

Total 10,650.00

Annual Review Expenses:

S.N. Description Amount Remarks

One Night DSA paid for participants 1 16,000.00 (12 September 2017)

Travel expenses for participants at

2 lump sum basis for round trip 25,900.00

(based on prevailing jeep/bus fare rate)

Food and Accommodation Expenses

3 paid for Participants dated on 13 59,000.00

September, 2017.

4 Tea, Breakfast and Lunch 27,590.00

5 Stationery 5,330.00

6 Banner 500.00

Total 134,320.00

Appendix 4: Workshop Photographs

Photograph 1: Continual Improvement Matrix (CIM) Assessment of DCC Parbat

Photograph 2: Mr. Mitra Shrestha, LRN Engineer, Facilitating the CIM assessment process

Photograph 3: Workshop Banner 2017

Photograph 4: DCC Chair person and vice-chair person taking seat

Photograph 5: Participants standing during National Anthem Citing Ceremony

Photograph 6: Chief District Engineer welcoming all participants as well as explaining objectives of the workshop

PHOTOGRAPHS OF CIM:

Photograph 7: Annual Review presentation and discussion

Photograph 8: Group Work in finding issues and possible solution

Photograph 9: Closing remarks by LDO

Photograph 10: Workshop closing with remarks by DCC chairperson

Appendix-5: Workshop participants

S. Participant’s Name Position Organisation No. Manohar Bishwokarma Chairperson DCC Council Parbat 1 Poudel 2 Yam Kumari Rama Vice-Chairperson DCC Council Parbat 3 Padampani Sharma Mayor Phalebas Municipality District Administration Rajesh Panthi Chief District Engineer 4 Office Local Development Bishnu Psd Bhusal DCC 5 Officer 6 Nanda Lal Subedi Member DCC Council 7 Kabita B.K Member DCC Council 8 Bishnu Maya Poudel Member DCC Council 9 Sharmila Nepali Member DCC Council 10 Om Prasad Regmi Member DCC Council 11 Gyan Bdr Bhandari Member DCC Council 12 Yam Bdr Malla Chairperson Jaljala Rural Municipality 13 Prem Poudel Chairperson Modi, Rural Municipality Mahashila, Rural Raju Prasad Poudel Chairperson 14 Municipality 15 Khagendra Tiwari Chairperson Paiyun, Rural Municipality 16 Kamal Psd Bhusal Chairperson Bihadi, Rural Municipality Mahashila, Rural Hira Rana Vice Chairperson 17 Municipality 18 Jasmati Gurung Vice Chairperson Paiyun, Rural Municipality 19 Dammar Kumari Gurung Vice Chairperson Bihadi, Rural Municipality 20 Hira Mani Subedi Executive Officer Kushma Municipality 21 Moti Ram Sapkota Executive Officer Phalebas Municipality Act Chief district Laxmi Prasad Bhandari DCC/DTO 22 Engineer 23 Mitra Lal Shrestha LRN Engineer RAP3 24 Kuman Singh Gurung Executive Officer Modi Municipality 25 Dinesh Sharma Executive Officer Bihadi, Rural Municipality 26 Ujjwal Bhusal Executive Officer Paiyun, Rural Municipality Mahashila, Rural Pitamber Rimal Executive Officer 27 Municipality

S. Participant’s Name Position Organisation No.

28 Arjun Sharma Executive Officer Jaljala, Rural Municipality 29 Laxmi Kanta Sharma Accountant Bihadi, Rural Municipality 30 Pitamber Bhusal Chairperson ward no 1 Paiyun, Rural Municipality 31 Anup Thapa Engineer DCC/DTO 32 Bigyan Poudel Sub-Engineer Modi, Rural Municipality 33 Ashish Shakya Engineer Kushma Municipality 34 Rajendra Chettri Sub-engineer Phalebas Municipality 35 Dilli Ram Regmi Ast Sub Engineer Jaljala, Rural Municipality 36 Bishwo Raj Adhikari WASH Technician Phalebas Municipality 37 Siddhartha Raj Bastola Engineer DCC, Reconstruction 38 Bel Psd Sharma Ast Sub Engineer Modi, Rural Municipality 39 Tulsi Ram Sharma Programme Officer DCC 40 Chandra Bdr Chettri Social Mobiliser Officer DCC Social development Liladhar Subedi DCC 41 Officer Nepal Journalist Council, Chabilal Tiwari Chairperson 42 Parbat 43 Devi Sharma Na.Su DCC 44 Govinda Purja Member RMG 45 Krishna Bdr Gharti Magar Nepal Police 46 Rita Timilsina Archarya Member RMG 47 Nagendra Subedi DCC 48 Krishna Psd Sharma DCC 49 Rupa Sarkini Support Staff DCC/DTO 50 Jaya Lamichhane Kharidar DCC/DTO 51 Yuvaraj Subedi Account Officer DCC Mahashila, Rural Ramakanta Poudel Ast Sub Engineer 52 Municipality 53 Prakash Lamsal Social Mobiliser Officer DCC 54 Hari Psd Gautam Engineer DCC/DTO

55 Devi Psd Poudel Na. Su DCC

56 Manju Shilakar Engineer EECCO/DCC

S. Participant’s Name Position Organisation No.

57 Neelam Thapa Graduate Engineer RAP3

58 Suresh Archarya Office Manager RAP3

59 Jitendra Psd Chaudhary IoW RAP3

60 Rajeev Chaudhary SAME RAP3

61 Ramesh Sharma Ast Sub Engineer Jaljala, Rural Municipality

62 Bamdev Basaula WASH Technician Jaljala, Rural Municipality 63 Dhakaram Lamichhane Accountant Audit DCC

64 Shanti Pariyaar Support Staff DCC