On December 13, 2019, GGGI organized a technical consultation with ward officials of Mahalaxmi Municipality to understand the current challenges and needs in the municipality’s sanitation sector. This consultation was part of the Green Sanitation Services Program, launched in July 2019. The event was attended by Mayor Mr. Rameshwor Shrestha, Deputy Mayor Ms. Nirmala Thapa, Ward Chairpersons and Ward Members of Mahalaxmi Municipality, in addition to development agencies active in the sector.

During the consultation, Ms. Nathalie Andre, Sanitation Specialist and Mr. Vamsi Duraibabu, Principal Investment Specialist from GGGI shared different technological solutions and investment mechanisms that Mahalaxmi can adopt to encourage investment in the sanitation sector. The Mayor and Ward Chairpersons strongly agreed that private businesses should have a more defined role in the sector, in addition to a robust market for products such as biogas and slurry. There is a need to further understand the quality and quantity of the raw materials as well as the products in the municipality. In addition, the government’s push to manage waste in a sustainable manner should also be reflected through proper implementation of regulations.

Honorable Mr. Rameshwor Shrestha, Mayor of Mahalaxmi Municipality appreciated GGGI’s support in identifying technologies and investment options and added that “there is a need to enhance the capacity of local institutions and private sector, by learning from other countries in Asia where fecal sludge treatment and reuse facilities have been operating successfully.”