Around 16 million Nepalis still defecate in the open everyday as they have no access to basic sanitation facilities. But constructing toilet and maintaining hygiene still remains a great challenge throughout the country, especially in rural parts. To achieve the Millennium Development Goals on sanitation, Nepal needs to provide 73 per cent of the population with adequate sanitation by 2015. This seems a daunting task, which is difficult but not impossible. At present, Rs. 9 billion is invested in sanitation every year and if the investment increases to Rs. 14 billion, this target is achievable. Along with the investments, the concerned organizations, both government and non government organizations, should work towards better targeting of resources and provide proper leadership and accountability in fund management.

A group of government and non government organization under the aegis of WaterAid Nepal has tried to draw the attention of the concerned agencies towards the burning sanitation issues in the country by organizing a programme on the eve of 11th World Toilet Day. The concerned organizations should not take this day just as a fanfare or one-off event. They should see this day as a call to action to keep sanitation in top development priority and work accordingly. This will certainly help to ensure that no one in the country is denied from the access to basic sanitation facilities.