Kathmandu: The achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Nepal has come under scrutiny as stories from various regions reveal ongoing sanitation challenges.
According to National News Agency Nepal, despite Nepal’s declaration as an ODF country in 2019, several areas, including Lahan municipality in Madhes Province, continue to struggle with access to basic sanitation facilities. A recent survey conducted by the municipality disclosed that 4,200 out of 24,700 households lack access to toilets, posing significant health risks to residents.
The ODF campaign in Nepal initially aimed to eradicate open defecation by 2017, a goal that was officially realized two years later. However, the recent findings from Lahan municipality and similar reports from Karnali Province indicate a gap in sustainable sanitation practices. State-run media, The Rising Nepal, highlighted that three percent of households in Karnali Province still lack toilets, and 30 percent of those built during the ODF campaign are rudimentary or temporary.
The National Population and Housing Census of 2021 found that 4.5 percent of Nepali households do not have access to any toilet facilities, despite the country’s ODF status. This discrepancy raises questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the initial sanitation drive. Dr. Ganga Datta Nepal, an expert in development and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), emphasized the need for continued focus on sustainable sanitation solutions, particularly in the context of Nepal’s federal system.
While some local levels, such as Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis, have made strides in waste management, the broader issue of sanitation remains unresolved. According to the Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), Nepal has achieved 95.5 percent sanitation coverage and 88.6 percent water supply coverage. However, vulnerable communities, especially those affected by natural disasters, continue to face significant barriers to basic sanitation.
The ongoing challenges underscore the need for a renewed focus on sustainable and inclusive sanitation solutions to ensure that all Nepalis have access to clean and functional toilet facilities. As Nepal moves forward, addressing the needs of poor and vulnerable communities will be crucial to retaining and building upon the progress made in health and sanitation.