December 1, 2023, Kathmandu

UN-Habitat Nepal, in collaboration with Chandragiri Municipality, has initiated the ward-level consultation workshops to assess the implementation status, challenges, and opportunities of localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among 15 wards, 4 wards were chosen based on characteristic features of dense urban core, traditional settlement, cultural and natural heritage, and remoteness of the place. The second workshop was held in the multipurpose hall of the ward office of Chandragiri Municipality, Ward No. 9. The ward falls in the cultural heritage settlement Machchhegaun, and possesses unique features of traditional practices, with presence of both compact and new settlements. A total of 45 participants including 15 females, were present at the consultation workshop including local elected representatives, municipal and ward office staff, community leaders, consumer committee, representatives from schools, women cooperatives, social organizations and community groups.

The program was facilitated by Ms. Bhadra Aryal, Senior Officer at Chandragiri Municipality and the focal contact person for the project from the municipality. Dr. Pratap Chhatkuli, Team Leader for the project presented on Sustainable Development Goals, indicators and contextualisation of the goals at local, municipal and ward level.

After a comprehensive introduction to the SDG indicators and localisation, five groups were formed including ward officials, government staffs and stakeholders from sectors of education, health, water supply and sanitation, infrastructure and gender and social inclusion, on each of five goals prioritized by Chandragiri municipality for the project. The groups engaged in discussions analysing the present condition, challenges, what has been done and the way forward in each of the prioritized sectors on the provided chart and developed a presentation of five minutes each.

Focusing on SDG 11, Mr. Ishwori Prasad Timalsina, Ward Secretary, presented on the current situation and factors necessary for future considerations. He highlighted the lack of slums in areas where 5-7 households were illegally living on government land. He further elucidated that about 90% of the houses which were safe and some damaged by earthquake had to be dismantled and reconstructed and, emphasized the necessity to ensure implementation of the building code for safer buildings. Additionally, he mentioned that due to the culture of joint families, about 35-40% of households had a family size of more than 5 and suggested increasing the budget for natural resources and conservation of heritage, which was about 10-15%, according to context.

Mr. Devendra Maharjan, former ward chairperson who has also been on the Water Supply and Consumer Committee presented on SDG 6. He explained that there are four deep borings in Ward No. 9, on which 95% of the population depends on. However, water availability is limited to every alternate day in households. He also elaborated on the importance of sustainability of water supply, including monitoring of water table and construction of water recharge system through ponds and recharge pits in different places. He added that 98% of the population has access to a managed toilet system, and that there are 3 public toilets in the ward. And, stressed on the importance of separation of degradable and non-degradable waste at source to minimize accumulated waste and increasing awareness among the general public.

s. Gita Bayalkoti, Municipal Executive Member presented on SDG 5. She addressed the necessity of awareness programs related to gender-based violence, assessing the reporting and case registration process, as well as encouraging local level participation of women in social and political life, leadership, and skill development program along with incentives to cooperative and education sector for increased participation of girls and women. She noted that female participation in policy and decision making is still low and needs to be prioritized through plans and programs.

Similarly, Ms. Sarita Karki, Health Official of ward, presented on SDG 3. She highlighted the lack of birthing centres and nutritious incentives for mothers in the ward, lack of awareness among some people regarding vaccination, maternal health and cases of home delivery. She stressed on the importance of awareness program, mobilisation of women health workers, human resource management, presence of modern equipment in laboratories, separate building for health post, and training for health officials.

Mr. Sanjaya Manandhar, Teacher form New Horizon Academy, presented on SDG 4. He drew attention to the higher drop rate of students in community schools in comparison to institutional/private schools and, the larger proportion of female students in community/public schools in comparison to private schools. He emphasized the importance of action-oriented training to teachers, child-centred education, “Learning by Doing” strategy in teaching, provision of quality internet service and enforcement of local curriculum.

Mr. Achyut Adhikari, Ward Chairperson, highlighted some areas with underdevelopment in the ward in spite of its proximity to the capital municipality, particularly health and education. He addressed and summarised the key takeaways from the elaborate presentations on SDG goals by the presenters and appreciated UN Habitat and participants for their contribution to the productive workshop. Ms. Gita Bayalkoti, Municipal Executive Member expressed her thanks and delivered the concluding remarks.

Conclusion:

The ward level consultation workshop provided valuable insights into local challenges and potential solutions, laying a foundation for targeted and effective SDG localization efforts in Chandragiri Municipality.

1. Mainstreaming in the local annual plan: Ensure that the discussions at the ward level are not only captured in the VLR report but also integrated into the municipal annual plan, policy, and budgeting processes.
2. Action Plan: Formulate a concise action plan, leveraging the insights obtained during the workshop. This plan should delineate specific steps for effectively implementing SDGs within the municipality.