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Dear sponsors and supporters,

In spring 2025, we visited Gope in the Solukhumbu district again. The delight with what had been achieved so far was great – but it was equally clear that urgent action was needed: the last monsoon had completely cut off a further supply zone in Gope from the water supply. Since then, numerous families have been drinking heavily contaminated water – with sometimes serious health consequences, especially for children. The water that people drink there would probably not even be used by car owners in the UK to wash their vehicles.

The local nurse and school principal report a significant increase in gastrointestinal diseases, which is probably due to the high level of contamination.

A sustainable plan – jointly supported

Together with our partner association NHEFoN and in close cooperation with the people of Gope, we are therefore launching a new water project: the aim is to permanently replace the destroyed supply system with a safe, sustainable infrastructure that will be taken care of by a central water manager in future.

The people of Gope are acting with great initiative of their own. Each family will contribute at least five days of unpaid labour to the construction, and together they will contribute around €5,000 of their own funds. The municipality will install the water meters. In future, households will pay a small contribution based on their consumption. This contribution will in turn be used to finance a water manager. This person will be responsible for the maintenance, control and upkeep of the system.

Such a model – contributions in exchange for security of supply – is still new in Nepal’s mountain regions, but it is promising. It strengthens the sense of responsibility in dealing with water as a resource and creates local competency. The educational work carried out by the school and the health personnel has already had a significant impact here.

Difficult conditions, but a big impact

The source is located deep in the jungle, far away from the scattered settlements in the region. The necessary pipes are correspondingly long, and the terrain is challenging. Construction is complex, but worthwhile: at the end of this project, the entire village of Gope will have a reliable, secure water supply.

The people want above all to have water right at their homes – without having to walk for hours every day in all weathers. Especially for the children, who often take on this task, this means not only physical relief, but also more time to learn, play and grow up.

Health begins with water

With the completion of this water project, we are closing an important circle in Gope: obstetrics, dental care, preventive care for children and mothers – all of this requires a clean, stable water supply. Investing in infrastructure is therefore always an investment in dignity, the future and justice.

Total cost: €31,000

We welcome any form of support and, as always, guarantee that 100% of donations will go directly to the project. All those involved are working on a voluntary basis.

Information about our donation account can be found under Support us.

NHEFoN, Gecotec e.V. and the people of Gope thank you for your help.