Rural Access Programme 3

Assets handover
All construction activities of the Mugu Humla Link Road completed in May, 2022. With the completion of the road, all stores and field offices at Gamgadhi, Bohorabada and Melchhyam have been closed. The project’s non-reportable assets such as furniture, electric device, gas geyser and heater, etc. have been distributed to 22 different local schools and offices, in congruence with RAP3 MHLR Assets Disposal Procedure and approval. Reportable assets are being handed over to different government and non-government offices as per prevailing rules and in agreement with BEK.

Healthy Workforce Programme
RAP3 MHLR introduced the Healthy Workforce Programme along MHLR during its construction to introduce the construction workers to a healthier way of living. Phase Nepal was deployed to carry this out between December 2018 and May 2022. Their mobile health team, comprising of one health assistant and one social mobiliser, were based in Mugu and Humla. The team visits site every day and provides health support to the workers - they oriented workers about first aid, Covid 19, general and mensural hygiene, nutrition, child care, snake bites etc.
In addition to raising awareness, they provided simple medicines and first aid items to the groups every two weeks. The team members provided medical assistance in case of incidents on site, typically providing first aid and recommending to the district hospital where further treatment was needed. This helped contain the number of incidents, their severity and implications due to injuries. The programme has been successful in raising health awareness amongst the locals of the region. With the completion of MHLR, the Healthy Workforce Programme completed in May 2022.

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐧 “𝐦𝐢𝐝-𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬” 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭?

The inclusion and diversity team asked an interesting question, “what does it take to live a happier life?” to their audiences and then started their interesting discussion event on the “mid-life crisis” presented by Kathmandu team on 22nd March 2022. The team did some online research on mid-life mental health crisis and discussed that after reaching a certain age, people start thinking about the meaning of life and sometimes it might be frustrating for some people when they cannot find the actual purpose or meaning of their life. The team also focused that middle-aged adults are often omitted from research on adult development and aging and they highlighted the importance of closing the research gap to further understand this understudied (40-60) age period. As there is little empirical evidence to explain the midlife mental health crisis, the team stated that the findings from the research can inform interventions to promote well-being among the middle-aged and that gives benefit for the welfare of those younger and older who depends on them. Some of the team members also shared lessons they learnt from the crises they have gone through and how they were able to overcome those situations. One of the team members also mentioned that he feels very good to learn about the ‘mid-life crisis’ which was completely a new topic for him and now he thinks that mid-life crisis is an important part of our life which needs more discussion and attention.
If you feel that you are at increased risk of experiencing the midlife mental health crisis, gaining some credible information from online research could help you understand how to deal with this crisis. Some of our team members said their desk research work helped them understand a lot about it. Our inclusion team would like to encourage everyone to “Practice Positivity” in their daily lives.

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑𝟎𝐤𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝟑 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐮 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

The RAP3 MHLR team is pleased to announce that the construction and handover of full length of MHLR is now complete. The remaining 30 km long road section of the UK aid funded Mugu Humla Link Road (MHLR) was officially handed over to the Infrastructure Development Office (IDO), Humla under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development (MoPIUD), Karnali Province on 2nd April 2022. Representing MoPIUD, Mr. Devi Aidi, IDO Chief, Humla accepted the road handover of MHLR 30km section. The handover of the first 26 KM long section was done on 25th December 2020 from Gamgadhi to Darke Khola, 11.350 km long section from Darke to Chankheli on 30th September 2021 and the third section of 30km from Chankheli to Deuli was done on 2nd April 2022.

The handover programme was attended by representatives from MoPIUD, RAP3 MHLR, CDO Mugu, stakeholders, government officials and locals of Mugu and Humla. During the event, IDO Chief, Humla made the commitment to take necessary actions to maintain the quality of MHLR and requested MoPIUD, Karnali Province to allocate budget for road maintenance work. At the handover event, RAP3 MHLR Team Leader also expressed her sincere gratitude to all the government officials of federal, province and local level, project staff, beneficiaries and all those who have worked on or supported in any way in achieving the project’s objectives and successes.

The operation of vehicles has already resulted in benefits for the local population of Mugu and Humla. There is evidence of local people gaining access to improved transportation, medical services, selling fruits, grains and herbs produced in their villages and are happy with the reduction of cost in rice and other items. Shopkeepers in Humla are also equally excited to unload goods in front of their shop after the mobilization of vehicles in the MHLR road.

Now that locals have started experiencing positive changes brought by road access and transport services in their villages, they are more aware of the need for road maintenance and are hopeful that the concerned authorities will maintain MHLR and allow full service of roads in all seasons.

𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬: 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐦𝐚, 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐮

Tara Baniya, working as a Social Mobiliser at RAP3 MHLR, came to Kathmandu for the first time in 2020 to attend the, “20 years of RAP” event, organised at the British Embassy, Kathmandu. She was full of curiosity about what the capital city would be like. As soon as she arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport, the sight of women and girls on scooters surprised her, and she kept looking at them until they crossed her path. At that very moment she wished she could also ride a scooter like those women, but she knew it was a long shot for her, so she pushed her desire away.

All this time, while working in RAP3 MHLR, Tara would sit behind her male colleagues on a motorbike to reach project sites. This means at times when no one was around, she would have to walk a long distance on foot to reach the work sites. Combined with her aspiration to learn to ride a motorbike and the encouragement of project staff, she made an attempt to materialise her ambition. Tara has now learned to ride a motorbike. This is indeed a very commendable instance as the society where Tara belongs, a woman riding a motorbike is not a norm. Tara is yet to get an official driving license which she is hoping to get soon.

This new skill will surely give a lot of freedom for Tara to tap into wider opportunities and grow. This is a moment of pride for Tara, as she is the first woman to learn how to ride a motorcycle in Mugu.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝟑 𝐌𝐇𝐋𝐑

RAP3 MHLR celebrated the 112th International Women’s Day (IWD) throughout its field offices with various interesting activities. RAP3 MHLR Central Office held an informal discussion session among staff to talk about the different gender bias prevalent and things we have done to challenge those biases both as individuals and as an organisation.

In the Institutional Support Component, the Project Support Team (PST) organised different events to highlight the significance of women empowerment and gender equality. The event included sharing achievements and success stories of our female workers, discussing challenges they are facing in the community due to remoteness and inequality and playing fun games along with gifts for winner. The event was graced with participation of RMGs, local stakeholders and other local people from the community.

MHLR Construction, organised a programme to mark IWD in Bama, Mugu which was attended by women from Bama and Panidhara LRUC including local people. The event initiated with a rally where participants carried placards displaying slogans of women empowerment. Social Mobiliser, Tara Baniya also showcased her motorcycle riding skills, which she recently learned, as a way to demonstrate how women can also successfully learn skills. Participants enjoyed many fun games and took part in Deuda competition. A similar event was organised in Bohorabada, Humla. While the women of Rugha, Mugu marked IWD event independently which is something different and definitely a positive change in the community. We hope that these women will continue to celebrate IWD event and their accomplishments in the community even after the completion of the RAP3 MHLR project.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢?

On 4th March 2022, for an Inclusion event, Institutional support field team prepared a documentary showcasing the tourism potential in Karnali province. Along with various places to visit around Karnali, the video also explained about the brief history linking to the place. Kupinde Lake, Baraha Temple, Khairabang Temple and Kacchuwa Daha are some places that one can visit when travelling to Salyan. The video explained how the debate among brothers during the period of Jaida Bam led to the division of a kingdom into Rukumkot, Musikot, Banphikot, Gotamkot and Jaharikot. Sisne Himal of Rukum West which is also known as “Murkhutta”, as depicted in many Nepali literatures. And if Syarpu lake of Rukum West makes it to your list, you can indulge in many recreational activities such as boating, fish farming and camping. Also make sure you plan your trip to Rukum West so that you don’t miss the Mayur Dance. One of the main attractions of Jajarkot is Jajarkot Durbar whose height was reduced from 7 storey to 4 storey in an earthquake of 1934. Rara Lake is the precious gift of Mugu and if you wish to immerse into serenity and recharge your energy, Rara is definitely the place to go. While Shey Phoksundo Lake is a very famous tourist destination. Other places that one can visit in Dolpa are Bala Tripursasundari Bhagwati Temple, Shey Monastry, Kanjirowa Mountain and Dho-Tarap Valley. In Dailekh, one can visit Kot Gadhi built during the Malla period which has 1,038 years old Saupal Adhai Shakya built first inscription. Another place of interest from a religious point of view is Sristhan Area which has the biggest natural fire flame in Nepal. When you finally arrive in Surkhet, be ready with a long list of places to visit such as Kakre Bihar, Deuti Bajai Temple, Clock tower park, Patal Durbar, Baraha Temple and Gothikada.
While the potential for exploiting tourism sector of Karnali is very much viable, the lack of infrastructure and initiatives to conserve these places are the biggest hindrance.

To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022, RAP3 MHLR engaged all Central Office staff in a conversation around this year’s theme . The discussion focused on biases prevalent in the society and those broken by the project and by individuals. Various activities are being carried out in the field offices as well to celebrate IWD 2022.

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

As part of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the latest round of Inclusion Events series has now officially started. For the inclusion events, staff are encouraged to bring up their favorite discussion topics of their choice and lead interactive sessions with the audience. The first inclusion event for this round was held on 22nd February 2022 by Team 1 (Kathmandu Staff) on ‘Waste Management’. Prior to the event, the team circulated a questionnaire among the staff to get an overview of their general understanding of waste management as well as their behaviour and attitude. The team also gave a presentation titled, “It is More Than Just Waste”. The inclusion event was very informative, with the recapitulation of data from the Waste Management Baseline Survey of Nepal 2020 conducted by Central Bureau of Statistics. The team urged the audience to make wise decisions to reduce waste production and promote recycling/reusing of things. The event also focused on business firms like Khalisisi.com, Doko Recyclers, Blue2Waste where we can connect at both the individual and organizational levels to smartly manage waste produced.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤-𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The RAP3 MHLR project field team organised an orientation event for the field staff and workers of Shankhamali/Ridarc JV (contractor appointed for the construction of 4 bridges) and RAP3 MHLR bridges supervision team on 19th February 2022 at the Project Field Office, Gamgadhi, Mugu. Project Field Manager oriented on the new ‘Bridge Site Management Guideline’ which includes construction planning of these bridges, roles and responsibilities of staff and workers, communication channels, quality control, and inspection and supervision procedures to be followed. The contractor’s health and safety officers and other staff were also oriented on health and safety management such as health risks, hazards and how to deal with them while working in the field. In addition, the PHASE Nepal team provided a brief course in first aid training. The orientation programme was concluded by informing them about the work plans of all the four bridges submitted by the contractor and the Code of Conduct of the project.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳

At RAP3 MHLR, all staff are required to understand the project’s values and work ethics, and the project ensures that all staff understand and comply with the RAP3 MHLR Codes of Conduct. Every year, all staff receive Codes of Conduct training and other mandatory courses, but the project has never conducted a separate test to evaluate how much staff have learned or retained information from the training materials. In addition, it was recommended in one of our internal Audits that it would be helpful to find out the effectiveness of our compulsory training programme. Therefore, we incorporated training materials into quiz questions to assess how much staff have learned and retained from three mandatory Code of Conduct courses: Anti-corruption, Behaviour and Safeguards as well as four other mandatory training: Safeguarding Guidelines and Best Practices; Feedback and Incident Handling and Reporting; Communication Guideline; and IT and Computer use Policy. We made the quiz more competitive for staff by offering cash prizes to the first three winners. The first winner scored a full mark of 30 points, while the second and third winners scored 29 and 28 points, respectively. There was a tie for third place, so the lucky winner was chosen from among six equal scoring staff by a lucky draw. The quiz has been completed by all staff of the project. Our auxiliary staff did not have access to the online platform, so they were assisted in-person to complete the quiz following COVID 19 safety protocols.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the project staff for actively participating in the training retention quiz.

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐇𝐋𝐑 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫

Public audits in three LRUCs (Panidhara, Bama Gairagaun and Rughamasta) were organised on 26th and 27th January 2022. Similarly, public audit in Dudedaha LRUC was completed on 30th January 2022. The purpose of the LRUC level audits on MHLR was to discuss between beneficiaries, stakeholders and the project team on the design, delivery, quality of service, verification of payments received by RBGs/SRBGs and expenditures made by LRUCs. The participants were given sufficient time to raise issues, concerns and queries they had and the project field team facilitated to clear all the issues and queries.
Due to the current COVID 19 restrictions, participants were limited to 25 in each event. The working group facilitators (Sahajkarta), representatives from various political parties, ward chairperson, stakeholders, PHASE Nepal team and project field team participated in the meeting. This time, PHASE Nepal team also took the opportunity to conduct their public audit in the same event.