Quality Assurance of Assets and Capacity Building Services for the SZHC Project

The Saemaul Zero Hunger Communities Project (SZHC) is implemented by UN World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with Good Neighbours International (GNI), in Ladagada and Pokhari VDCs of Doti district. The SZHC project is formulated and implemented so as to improve and strengthen the livelihood, education and health status of the inhabitants of two VDCs through a range of interlinked activities such as small community based infrastructures creation/rehabilitation with the close involvement of local community.

Under this project construction, rehabilitation and restoration of infrastructures like irrigation canals, irrigation ponds, drinking water supplies, roads and trails are included. The implementation of these assets is expected to contribute to the long-term food security, economic development, and access to services etc, leading to improved livelihoods of these communities over a period of time. There are altogether 37 new assets for FY 2014/2015 and 43 old assets from FY 2012/2013 constructed and repaired.

SW Nepal was involved in monitoring of quality of assets and capacity building of communities.
In order to achieve the objectives, SW Nepal technical team carried out following activities:

• Reviewed of design and estimate of assets
• Site verification, formation of repair and maintenance committees for each category of assets
• Preparation of detail operation and maintenance plan and
• Different training activities for capacity building of communities along with preparation of social mobilization plan

The assignment recommended the actions to be taken in improving the capacity of the implementing partners to ensure that the infrastructures developed and repaired meet the technical, social and environmental standards appropriate for the areas and agreed standards.