Background
The RWEPP represents a strategic evolution in Nepal’s WASH sector development. Initiated in July 2021 with a substantial investment of GBP 19.7 million from UKAid and GWT UK, RWEPP marks a significant shift from traditional service delivery to comprehensive systems strengthening.
Scott Wilson Nepal conducted the final evaluation of the RWEPP implemented by the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The main objective of this evaluation was to assess the outcomes and impact of the program in enhancing access to water, sanitation, and disaster preparedness services and in strengthening the disaster resilience of communities at both the community and institutional levels.
Objective of the Assignment
- The program evaluation follows the six OECD-DAC criteria to assess the the implementation of RWEPP.
- The assessment analyzes climate change adaptation measures implemented by the project and their impacts on communities.
- A Value for Money (VfM) analysis is conducted to evaluate cost-effectiveness.
- A critical analysis compares the design assumptions of water supply schemes with current realities, including migration impacts, water demand/supply changes, and WSS design and construction practices.
- A comparative analysis is conducted using Census, National WASH, Palika N-WASH, and household survey data to assess access to water, sanitation, and safely managed services.
- To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach is employed, capturing both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the program’s impact.
Key Activities and Service Provided by SWN
Under this project, SWN carried out the following activities:
- Conducted a comprehensive desk study using all available program documents, reports, and relevant literature.
- Adminstered 271 household surveys, 24 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 41 key informant interviews (KIIs) across six water supply projects in six provinces.
- Identifed and documented case studies that highlight specific successes, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation of the RWEPP, focusing on actionable areas for improvement.
- Analyzed national WASH data in comparison to census data and household survey data to identify patterns, discrepancies, and consistencies.
- Assessed the socio-economic viability and long-term sustainability of the project, particularly in the context of community needs and resource availability.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of the project in achieving its objectives, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and community ownership.
- Provided recommendations for scaling up successful practices and mitigating identified risks in future projects.
Outputs
The assignment produces a final evaluation report with data analysis, case studies, and actionable recommendations to inform GWT, including comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies, success stories, areas for improvement, and components of GEDSI.
Additionally, SWN delivered a comprehensive presentation to disseminate invaluable insights for future similar projects.
