Through strategic engagement and transparent financial management, a grassroots leader and RECOFTC-trained advocate has secured municipal investment in water infrastructure.

In June 2024, community-led efforts in Banepa, a municipality in Nepal’s Bagmati province, secured a grant of USD 28,700 from the local government to build essential water infrastructure. The Yekikrit Khanepani Samuha, a community water supply committee, led the initiative in response to the area’s long-standing struggles with clean water access.

At the forefront was Narayani Sharma, the committee’s treasurer and a participant in the first phase of RECOFTC’s Grassroots Gender Leadership Development (GGLD) programme. Known for her transparent financial management and responsible leadership, Sharma played a key role in building the committee’s credibility.  

Sharma ensured the committee maintained clear, complete accounting records and engaged local officials with persistence and transparency. This helped position the group to qualify for funding under Banepa’s ‘One house, one tap’ initiative.

The new water supply system delivers clean water to 200 households, transforming everyday life for residents. “This is the biggest accomplishment of my life,” says Sharma. “Water is vital for living, and I’m proud to have been part of this. It feels incredible to know that our work has provided something so essential to so many people.”