Laxmipur Water and Sanitation Project, Nepal

A total of £14301 has been raised and now in the Bank. A total of 22 Clubs are 'on board' for the project and with 6 still to confirm their amounts raised/contributed we are hopeful that we will not be too far away from the total requirement of £18/19000 (dependent on exchange rates which have not been in our favour recently). Obviously delighted to have good involvement from Clubs in District 1010, particularly when many have other international projects that they are already involved with.

Laxmipur is in the south east of Nepal, near the Indian border, and although there is political unrest with Maoist factions all round the area, the contract is progressing well and NEWAH (Nepal Water for Health) who are in charge of all work, report that they Risk Rate the project as 'Low'. On completion, around the end of this year, there will be 2719 Beneficiaries in 459 households. NEWAH have forwarded a first quarterly report and finance statement and another one is due shortly. We have remitted two lots of funds totalling £9000 (around 50%) and will be prepared to forward another tranche when asked shortly. Initially we had £5000 in the Bank representing the 'left over' from fundraising projects last year. Elgin club’s own recent fundraising this year with the 'Pledges and Promises' night brought in another £3800. Nairn's contribution is the largest other Club contribution. Obviously we are very grateful for this marvellous demonstration of support.

Nairn members will recall that Finlay and I spoke to the Club towards the end of last year with information about the earlier venture at Nepaljunge, in South West Nepal, where we provided Water, Sanitation and Health for a lower number of beneficiaries. Cost was around £6.60 per beneficiary! Basically this current project is on the same lines as before, but with a greater cost, a greater number of beneficiaries, and a benefit per head around the same figure.

David W. Sutherland. Elgin