Jul 29, 2022
As a mandatory requirement to conduct periodic meetings with the local level project advisory committee, the second LPAC meeting was conducted by ISAP and ピースウィンズ・ジャパン Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) at Sindhupalchok District Coordination Committee, Chautara Sangachokgadi, Sindhupalchok on 27th July 2022. The primary objective of the meeting was to review and analyze the progress and achievements of the “Project for Improving Water Access and Agriculture Income” from the beginning of the project to the end of the second phase. The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and jointly Implemented by Peace Winds Japan and Institution for Suitable Actions for Prosperity (ISAP). The meeting was chaired by Mr. Bal Krishna Shrestha, Chief of District Coordination Committee (DCC) in the presence of Mr. Padam Nath Nepal, Vice-chair of DCC, Ms. Goma Devi Dhakal, Officer of DCC, Mr. Hemanta Shrestha, Secretary at DCC, Mr. Ganga Bahadur Tamang, Chairperson of Balefi Rural Municipality, Ms. Saru Lama Tamang, Vice-chairperson of Balefi Rural Municipality, Mr. Surya Tamang, chairperson of Balefi RM ward no. 4, Mr. Tej Bahadur Parajuli, chairperson of Balefi RM ward no. 6. Mr. Chakra Bahadur Basnet, chairperson of Sunkoshi RM ward no. 6, and Mr. Kiran Deep Khadka, chairperson of Melamchi municipality ward no 9. The meeting also had the presence of the former ward chairperson of Balefi RM ward no. 4, Mr. Kali Prasad Tamang, and press members, Mr. Dipak Khatri, and Mr. Pritam Tamang.
The Executive Director of ISAP, Ms. Apekshya Bhusal presented PIWAAI’s detailed progress of WASH and agriculture in two years in Melamchi municipality ward no.9, Balefi RM ward no. 4 and 6, and Sunkoshi RM ward no. 6. She informed the respective local level leaders that the project implementation has been smooth as planned, and the targets achieved are more than anticipated, within the two years’ time of the project. She also provided the detailed financial status of the project as well. Ms. Apekshya also pointed out the issues and challenges faced by the team during the implementation of the project and how the team has strategized to implement the upcoming plans and project activities.
The session also received many queries from the participants regarding lengthening project duration, extending project implementation to neighboring areas, and others. The ward chairpersons of the respective project area shared their experience of visit to project sites and interaction with the project beneficiaries, and conveyed requests such as focusing on marketing for farmers’ produces, collaboration among the local level partners to design projects that benefit the people and the community, and extension of the project to other areas too.
The technical queries raised by the participants were addressed by Er. Basanta Pradhan, WASH expert. Additionally, further concerns were addressed by Dr. Ram Chandra Bhusal, Team Leader who acknowledged firstly the unwavering support and coordination provided by the local level leaders from the inception of the project in Sindhupalchok. He expressed his regret in being unable to make any changes in time duration, target areas or other support, but envisaged future projects in Sindhupalchok. He also recognized the hard work and effort of the beneficiaries, and team members in making this project successful.
Ms. Nana Yamaguchi, Community Development Expert from PWJ also expressed her thanks to all the local level leaders for their persistent assistance in making this project a success. She immensely expressed her appreciation to the efforts of the beneficiaries in giving their valuable time to learn and their willingness to improve their livelihood. Ms. Nana further suggested the local level leaders to keep in touch to discuss future collaborations. The meeting was closed by the chief of District Coordination Committee, Mr. Bal Krishna Shrestha who acknowledged ISAP, PWJ and the Ministry of Japan for initiating a project like PIWAAI in Sindhupalchok that has supported the people and community in improving their livelihoods.
#SDG #PIWAAI #PWJ #WASH #agriculture #nepal #sindhupalchok