Baseline survey report of WASH Project presented

A half-day presentation of Baseline Survey Report on WASH components of two Gewogs of Phuntshopelri and Yoeseltse in Samtse District was organized by RSPN on 13^th April, 2015 in RSPN’s Board Room, Thimphu. It is a part of SAARC Development Fund (SDF)-funded project on “Strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in selected areas of SAARC Countries”.

The objectives of survey, outsourced for a month-long to Kyingkhor Consultancy Service, was to gather and establish an independent baseline information on rural water supply schemes, sanitation and hygiene integrating with socioeconomic aspects and gender inclusion of the project areas to kick start the main activities. It will also set a baseline data for monitoring and evaluating the achievements and impacts of the project at its completion.

The consultant presented survey report of the two project areas in Samtse.

Based on the presentation, thorough discussions were held. The stakeholders made recommendations and suggestion for further refinement of the report. They also ensured to share additional comments and render technical support while implementing the activities. Some of the important recommendations were:

• That the data compilation has been exceptional; however, the consultant needs to synchronize and reorganize correlation in data, and report should be thoroughly reviewed since it is being submitted to the donor.
• That the consultant requires to refine the statements or recommendations made in the survey report.
• That the consultant assured that the final draft of the baseline survey report will be submitted to RSPN within a week for further comments and final approval.

The RSPN, in collaboration with PHED and SNV Bhutan-Programme Office, have been implementing the project in two Gewogs in Samtse since 3^rd June, 2014. It aims to improve the quality of life of rural populace by providing safe, convenient and sustainable water, sanitation services and better hygiene. The project will end by 2^nd June, 2017.

About 6 key stakeholder members from the Public Health Engineering Division of the Ministry of Health, SNV Bhutan-Programme Office and eight staff of RSPN attended the presentation.

It was aimed at seeking comments, inputs and suggestions of the findings of survey conducted for the two Gewogs (project areas).

We want to thank all the stakeholders for their time and continued support.

Reported by: Tsheten Dorji, Project Officer, WASH