Paul Pholeros Foundation Nepal Sanitation Fellowship 2023

The 2023 team of Andrew Craine, plumber and Shane Marshall, architect, worked in Nepal 30 October to 24 November. They magnificently conquered all the activities in the Scope of Works, plus pushing further to set up a plan that will guide sanitation improvements in one of the best community hospitals in Nepal.

Plumbing Scope of Works

• improve plumbing/sanitation facilities in Dhulikhel Hospital and outreach centres by working alongside the hospital’s and local teams to identify plumbing issues and solutions;
• identify possible infrastructure needs to improve sanitation services;
• record and document techniques particularly those that are not currently in practice in Nepal, to develop a training resource;
• contribute to the evaluation and feedback of the PPF hand wash unit, to be incorporated into future modifications;
• determine the feasibility of design and construction of a low cost water supply for school handwashing and tooth brushing with the hospital’s Public Health Team, Dentist and technical teams.

Architectural Scope of Works

• work with plumbing teams on above projects where appropriate;
• work with villagers to design a suitable small dwelling for the caretaker family currently looking after the condition and security of the PPF Stupa Sanitation block;
• consider site analysis, consultation with local stakeholders, available materials and resources, current construction techniques and appropriate documentation.

And more….

The team worked solidly to review sanitation issues across the Hospital and with input from the Hospital teams, presented a draft sanitation improvement plan to the Hospital’s senior management.  This plan has been finalised and accepted by the Hospital and will form the framework for future PPF Nepal Sanitation Fellowship teams.

The caretaker cottage was built by the Bhattedanda village construction team, led by Surya Lama and in close coordination with Shane. After 10 years of living in a tin sheet structure, enduring very cold winters and hot rainy monsoon summers, the caretaker couple is filled with gratitude. So nice to be able to provide some dignity and pride in their lives.

Thank you

The PPF extends a huge thanks to Andrew and Shane for their exceptional commitment to the project and importantly, to the humanity within each of them that shaped their approach and their professional and respectful dealings with counterparts and the local community in Nepal.

They have continued to work on aspects of the projects since their return to Australia, again we say a huge thank you.