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Watermill improvement
Rural communities in Nepal still operate traditional watermills for basic mechanical work. Two traditional watermills were operated by their owners in Mathillo Dhand and Ratamate. Operating on the kinetic energy of rivulets, these watermills are used by the owners for processing grains. Villagers also offer remuneration or a portion of grain for use of the watermill. However, these mills and their water supply channels were damaged beyond use during the earthquake.
To ensure that access to this service is resumed, the project assisted in the improvement of these watermills. The working space was improved in all watermills by laying a cement foundation. In Ratamate, the canal leading to the watermill was improved. In Mathillo Dhand, electric operation of the mill was also enabled.
“I built this watermill around 20 years ago for an alternative source of income. It worked pretty well, but I didn’t use it regularly while I was working as a mason. When the earthquake struck, my house and the mill both collapsed. It went a bit downhill for me from there...” - Ram Bahadur Mijar, Ratamate
The water canal leading to the Ratamate watermill being cleared
The Ratamate watermill functioning after repair works
Blacksmith work-shed improvement
The historical caste-based system of work distribution still dictates the professions of a sizeable segment of the Dhungentar community. Although the system is now outlawed, its lingering repressive effects are apparent, with a considerable number of locals engaged in traditional, low-income occupations. While the project’s other livelihood-building activities offer new opportunities for income generation and economic stability, existing practices and structures also require reforms to improve livelihoods.
There were two makeshift blacksmith work sheds in Mathillo Dhand and Archale that function as workstations for numerous blacksmiths in the settlement. Since these sheds were damaged during the earthquake, this project built a new, permanent structure and provided new equipment and tools.
"The old, rickety shed we used for work was bound to collapse. We later built a makeshift shed, but it will give in too. So we are improving the shed now. It will be sturdier and neater. We’ll add machines and tools too. It will be better. You know, our forefathers used to fan flames using animal skin..." - Gopi Lal Sunar, Mathillo Dhand
A new shed was constructed in Archale for carpentry works. New equipment and tools were provided for the carpenters’ group, who produced house frameworks and furniture for the community. The group also built two- or three-tiered chicken coops commissioned by locals. These coops, unlike traditional coops, have more space and allow locals involved in poultry farming to expand their stock.
