Province-level training on the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach in Karnali

Surkhet: A province-level training on the concept of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) titled “Introduction to Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Approach” has been conducted. The training was organized with the objective of enhancing understanding of the citywide inclusive sanitation approach and building capacity to promote inclusive, accessible, and sustainable sanitation services for all.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development of Karnali Province, the National Water Supply and Sanitation Research, Innovation and Capacity Development Centre under the Ministry of Water Supply, Government of Nepal, and the Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) jointly organized the training.

The training took place in Birendranagar, Surkhet—the capital of Karnali Province—with the participation of 19 representatives. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development offices in Dailekh, Surkhet, Jumla, and Jajarkot, as well as representatives from development partner organizations.

During the training, participants were also taken on an observation visit to the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant located in Surkhet.

Participants shared that the training helped them clearly understand the concept of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation. They mentioned that the implementation of this approach would contribute to equity, safety, and sustainability.

Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) is an innovative concept developed to effectively address sanitation challenges in rapidly growing urban areas across the world. The approach supports achieving the outcomes of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 by providing safe, equitable, and sustainable sanitation services to everyone living in urban areas.

This concept ensures accountability by identifying responsible bodies or individuals during the planning and implementation of urban sanitation systems and ensures proper planning and management of required resources. The CWIS approach does not focus only on building physical infrastructure with or without sewer systems; rather, it emphasizes access, safety, and sustainability for all, giving special priority to the poor, vulnerable groups, and women.