118 पटक हेरिएको Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) marks a transformative shift in addressing urban sanitation challenges, moving beyond traditional infrastructure-focused solutions to embrace comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable approaches. The goal of CWIS is to provide equitable access to safe sanitation for, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2, which aims for universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene.
Despite growing recognition of the principles and benefits of CWIS, its implementation encounters significant challenges, especially when scaling up to meet the demands of rapidly expanding urban populations. A major obstacle is the shortage of a well-trained and diverse human resource. Successfully scaling CWIS requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates expertise from various sectors. Learning from countries that have already implemented CWIS has proven invaluable, particularly in building the human resource capacity needed to drive these initiatives. Their experiences provide practical insights and best practices that can guide other nations in addressing human resources gaps and overcoming implementation challenges.
Capacity-building initiative strengthening CWIS expertise in Nepal
Recognizing this need to address the existing gap in skilled human resources, the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), based in Hyderabad, which had already established expertise in CWIS, stepped in to address the challenge. ASCI launched an initiative to enhance capacity-building by offering online certified training programs. These programs played a pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap, successfully training over 60 Nepali professionals. This initiative not only deepened the understanding of CWIS in Nepal but also paved the way for its practical implementation by training a new generation of experts with the essential skills and knowledge.
Sudha Shrestha, the National Professional Officer at UN-Habitat, emphasized the significance of these capacity-building initiatives, stating, “These trainings brought together participants from the Ministry of Water Supply and various development partners. If those who have received the training work collectively, Nepal is poised to evolve into a professional hub for CWIS.” Her statement highlights the potential for creating a robust network of trained professionals who can collaboratively advance CWIS in Nepal, ensuring sustainable and inclusive sanitation solutions nationwide.
Er. Sanju Lamichhane, from the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, reflected on her experience with the ASCI training, stating, “The virtual training was invaluable as it introduced me to the foundational concept of CWIS. My understanding of this approach was further solidified during the hands-on sessions at the National Water Supply and Sanitation Training Center.”
ENPHO leads efforts to scale CWIS through comprehensive training programs
Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) has been implementing project entitled “Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Scaling and Sanitation Innovation”, focusing on advancing Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) in Nepal. As part of this initiative, ENPHO leads the capacity-building thematic group, dedicated to strengthening the knowledge and skills required to promote CWIS principles and practices nationwide. Through this project, ENPHO has developed and delivered a range of training packages tailored to different stakeholders involved in sanitation. These packages include: CWIS ToT, Intro to CWIS, Training of Masons for the standard septic tank construction, Occupational health and safety and more.
Among these, the CWIS ToT stands out as a flagship program. It is a detailed and structured training package aimed at producing skilled professionals capable of cascading CWIS knowledge and practices on a larger scale. The program covers diverse aspects of CWIS enabling participants to become advocates, trainers, and implementers of inclusive sanitation strategies.
Through the inaugural CWIS ToT event, ENPHO in coordination with National Water Supply and Sanitation Training Center (NWSSTC) successfully trained 21 professionals, taking a crucial step toward developing a strong network of CWIS advocates and experts in Nepal. These trained professionals are now equipped to further disseminate the CWIS approach, contributing to the sustainable scaling and implementation of inclusive sanitation solutions across the country.
Er. Sanju Lamichhane, who participated in the CWIS ToT training, has conducted training on citywide inclusive sanitation for more than four groups. Her training sessions have been attended by representatives of local and provincial governments and members of water supply and sanitation user committees.
Another engineer from the department, Nikita Rai, has also conducted training sessions for various groups after participating in the CWIS ToT, organized by ENPHO in coordination with NWSSTC. She mentioned that she has provided training to newly recruited engineers in the ministry and department regarding the concept of CWIS.”
These two examples demonstrate how the concept of CWIS can be reached to a significant number of people through the efforts of a single trainer. According to Er. Lamichhane, Senior even if one trainer conducts training for four groups, the concept can reach at least 100 individuals.
Combining Theoretical and Practical Knowledge
CWIS is a comprehensive approach that requires both theoretical understanding and practical experience for effective application. To address this need, ENPHO integrates field visits into its CWIS training programs, allowing participants to observe and engage with real-world implementations. These visits provide insight into the design and operation of sanitation systems, highlight the role of community involvement, and demonstrate solutions to common challenges.
Er. Rai affirmed the effectiveness of this approach, stating, “Field visits have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the training. The trainers have developed impactful materials and facilitated field observations, which have helped participants like us understand the concepts more comprehensively.”
Similarly, Er. Lamichhane highlighted the engaging nature of the training, noting, “Discussing and showcasing case studies and success stories from Nepal and abroad made the environment highly engaging. Exploring international examples, analyzing them, and adapting them to our context not only deepened our understanding but also sparked new ideas.”
Ash Kumar Khaitu, Project Manager at ENPHO, highlighted the value of practical experience, stating, “Bringing discussions from the classroom to the field helps participants develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the topics. That’s why field visits are a key component of most training programs.” He continued, “Seeing the theory in practice boosts participants’ confidence in what they’ve learned, and engaging with field workers enhances their understanding by offering real-world insights.”
These reflections collectively highlight how blending theoretical insights with practical exposure creates a robust learning experience, ensuring participants are well-prepared to implement CWIS principles effectively.
Enhancing Professional Safety and Efficiency
The impact of not only the CWIS ToT, but also other training packages developed and implemented by the ENPHO has been equally significant.
After attending a septic tank construction training organized by ENPHO, Leel Bahadur Gurung from Ward 22 of Pokhara Metropolitan City realized that the septic tanks he had built before were simply holding tanks. As a mason in Pokhara, Gurung acknowledged that although he had constructed numerous septic tanks in the past, he only recently became aware that none of them met the required standards.
“We used to pour concrete only on the side of the walls of the septic tank, leaving the bottom uncovered to slow down the filling process. Household owners also suggested not concreting the bottom, but I now realize that was a mistake,” Gurung explained. Following the training, he vowed to construct septic tanks according to the proper standards moving forward.
A minor error by a mason or household owner during septic tank construction can pose major risks in the future. Experts caution that neglecting to concrete the bottom of a septic tank can cause leakage, leading to groundwater contamination and threatening public health and the environment. To ensure safe sanitation management, septic tanks must be constructed according to established standards.
The training was extended not only to masons building septic tanks but also to sanitation workers responsible for emptying and managing the faecal sludge from these tanks. Participants highlighted that the occupational health and safety training for sanitation workers was equally valuable.
Surya Prasad Ghimire, a caretaker at the faecal sludge treatment plant in Lubhu, shared his experience: “The training taught me the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while handling faecal sludge,” he said, emphasizing the need to follow safety protocols when working with waste.
“Managing the faecal sludge is hazardous, making the use of PPE—such as masks, gloves, helmets, and gumboots—crucial,” said Surya Prasad Ghimire. He added that the training provided him with comprehensive knowledge about the personal health and safety measures sanitation workers must follow when handling faecal sludge. He emphasized that, since the training, he has been strictly using the required PPE.
The safety of sanitation workers is fundamental to ensuring safe sanitation services. Unless sanitation workers are protected, the broader goal of delivering safe sanitation cannot be achieved. Therefore, prioritizing the occupational health and safety of sanitation workers is imperative.
Way forward
CWIS is an emerging concept in Nepal, and the country’s current WASH regulations, policies, and guidelines do not fully address this approach. Er. Lamichhane believes that a dedicated guideline for CWIS needs to be created and implemented. She added, “The Ministry of Water Supply is working on developing a CWIS guideline, and it is essential to finalize it quickly to promote this approach, as it ensures that no one is left behind and everyone has access to sanitation services.”
After participating in CWIS-related training organized by ASCI and ENPHO, Er. Lamichhane was convinced of the necessity to strengthen human resources to achieve sanitation goals. She also highlighted the urgent need to integrate solid waste management, which is one of the pressing needs of the hour. Er. Lamichhane expressed her hope that future training programs will include both solid waste management and fecal sludge management.
In addition, incorporating CWIS-related training into the annual calendar of the NWSSTC would play a crucial role in supporting the widespread promotion and implementation of CWIS across Nepal. To further this goal, NWSSTC has scheduled the second CWIS Training of Trainers (ToT) event for December 2024. This initiative underscores the significance and impact of CWIS ToT in building capacity and fostering the adoption of CWIS practices throughout the country. By prioritizing CWIS in its training programs, NWSSTC aims to enhance the skills of professionals and ensure the sustainable expansion of inclusive sanitation services nationwide.
