NUWAKOT, April 10: Preparations are underway to declare Bidur Municipality, the largest local unit of Nuwakot district, an Open Defecation Free (ODF) zone on April 13.
According to the municipality, among the total 14,058 households, 99.2 % are using private toilets while 0.8 % people are sharing toilets. Mayor Sanju Pandit informed that the municipality meets all the criteria required to be declared an ODF zone.
Sunsari declared 'ODF district'
"Before the deadly earthquakes of 2015, only 80.1 % people of Bidur had constructed toilets. But now, almost all of them have access to toilet thanks to the efforts of various organizations and locals themselves," said Mayor Pandit, adding, "We will continue with our efforts to make our municipality neat, clean and beautiful even after this."
In lack of proper sewerage facility, locals of Trishuli, Battar, Devighat and Dhunge are found dumping the sewage and garbage released from their houses and toilets directly in the Trishuli River. According to Deputy Mayor Gita Dahal, the municipal assembly has sanctioned budget for the proper management of garbage and waste released from drainage. She further informed that the municipality will be constructing drainage in several areas.
"We have issued a public notice urging the locals to build a septic tank in all of their homes," said Deputy Mayor Dahal, adding, “Those who will neglect the directive of the municipality will be deprived of various facilities and privileges." She stated that the municipality is forming strict laws and will also implement it.
There are altogether 13 wards in the municipality. The municipality is also planning to construct some public toilets to make the campaign more effective. In recent days, many local units have been successful in earning an ODF status while many are in the process.
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