The project, which was supposed to be launched in July 2009, has not started until now as locals continue to bicker over the source of water. The Municipality of Baglung plans to fetch water for its denizens from the Dundhiya River, which flows through Lekhani, Bihu and Bhimpokhara villages. However, locals oppose the idea. [break]
The World Bank (WB) has pledged to provide 50 per cent of the total cost of the project. But, the Baglung Drinking Water and Sanitation Users´ Committee has not obtained money so far thanks to the project delay. Baglung residents fear the project will never see completion.
The committee had recently carried out a survey to find out appropriate source of water to resolve water woes in the municipality. The survey had chosen the Dundhiya River as the suitable water source. Local representatives of political parties had also agreed to channel water out of the Dundhiya River for Baglung residents.
However, the project has been in limbo following stiff opposition from villagers. “Our paddy fields go dry if we let them use the water,” Kedar Sharma, a resident of Bihu village, says. “So we will not let anyone use water from the river as we are largely dependent on the river for irrigation.”
Over 20,000 families in the district headquarters of Baglung are expected to benefit from the project. A total of 26,000 water taps will be installed to distribute the water. The project is expected to suffice to provide adequate water to residents of Baglung district heaquarters till 2026.
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