Mechinagar Municipality's Fecal Sludge Treatment Centers Operate Below Capacity

Jhapa. Two fecal sludge treatment centers constructed by Mechinagar Municipality with an investment of millions of rupees have not been able to operate at full capacity. The centers have not been able to operate as expected due to policy weaknesses, weak regulation of private septic tankers, and insufficient sludge collection.

The treatment centers were constructed seven years ago in Duhagadhi of Mechinagar-14 and in Bhansha Khola of Ward No. 7 with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and cost-sharing from the Ministry of Water Supply and local governments.