COMMUNITY NEED

Khabari, a rural village situated far from another municipality, has long suffered from a lack of infrastructural development and basic amenities. Historically, the residents relied on river water and streams to fulfill their water requirements. However, as the population grew, these resources became increasingly polluted and unsuitable for consumption. The situation worsens during the rainy season when the water becomes completely unusable. Conversely, in the dry season, the water sources dry up, leaving the community without a nearby supply.

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The absence of a reliable water supply has had a profound impact on the economic well-being of the villagers. Recognizing the urgent need for improved water access, the community united in their demands for the development of a water supply scheme. Cement tanks were constructed near the stream to address the issue, but the existing system suffers from various shortcomings that hinder its effectiveness.

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The current system relies on plastic pipes to distribute water from the distant cement tanks to the village, approximately 2-4 kilometers away. However, without a proper filtration system, solid particles, such as lime, accumulate in the main distribution network. Additionally, the pipes are prone to damage and displacement during the rainy season. Moreover, the distribution lines suffer from leakage issues, exacerbating the problem further.

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A major concern arises during the dry season when the stream flow diminishes, rendering it unable to meet the community's water demands. This often leads to conflicts, with individuals resorting to cutting pipes to secure water for themselves, exacerbating an already challenging situation.

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LOCATION

Nestled in the scenic Chure Hills on the Nepal-India border, Khabari Naka is a village located about 10 hours southwest of Kathmandu. With a population including residents from Rolpa, the village relies heavily on agriculture and serves as a border guard, depending on India for various resources.

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PROJECT SOLUTION

Since Since May 2023, the EWB-Florida Professional Chapter, in partnership with the EWB-Columbia University Chapter, has been actively collaborating with the community of Khabari to identify and address their specific needs. Through data collection and analysis, our teams are working diligently to develop the most suitable engineering design for the community.

 

In close coordination with local community Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), we are engaging local contractors to conduct surveys, water quality assessments, and transmissivity tests. This collaborative approach ensures the active involvement and empowerment of the community members.

 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a comprehensive renovation of the water supply system is essential. Our proposed solutions focus on creating a sustainable and efficient system from the ground up. This includes the implementation of a robust filtration mechanism to remove solid particles and ensure the distribution of clean and safe drinking water. Additionally, we aim to enhance the durability of the infrastructure by utilizing resilient materials capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions.

 

To gather more precise information and understand the community's requirements, an assessment trip is scheduled for early 2024. This visit will provide invaluable insights to further refine our approach and develop a comprehensive plan of action. 

 

In the meantime, our chapter remains dedicated to diligently gathering as much information as possible. We are exploring various alternative solutions and considering the potential implementation of water storage facilities or other supplementary measures to address the water scarcity issues effectively. By leveraging expertise, local partnerships, and a community-centric approach, we are committed to bringing sustainable and lasting solutions to Khabari. Together, we will ensure access to clean and reliable water resources, promoting improved living conditions and fostering the overall well-being of the community.

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GET INVOLVED

As we are in the early stages of this project, we are actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who speak Nepali, or those with expertise in project scope development, water system design, and fundraising. If you are interested in joining our team and contributing to this meaningful endeavor, please reach out to us at the ewb.fl.professionals@gmail.com. Your involvement is greatly appreciated.