Dailekh, March 23 -- Khamme Damai of Paganath in ward 1 of Bhagawatimai Rural Municipality in Dailekh district had a piped water tap at his home. However, for the past six years it had run dry as the entire water supply system in the village was in disrepair due to mismanagement.

"Pipes were broken and weeds had grown inside the tanks. But after repairing the old system, we now have water at our doorstep," said Damai. Villagers had requested for a new project, but it was never approved. He now realises that old systems can be revived through timely maintenance.

Nepal Water for Health, a non-government organisation, had constructed a drinking water project and supplied water to all households in Paganath when it was a Village Development...