Stichting Veldwerk at Nepal

Secretariaat: Stichting Veldwerk Postbus 163 1850 AD Heiloo The Netherlands

Tel:+31 (0)72-5339585 veldwerk@gmail.com IBAN nr. NL51ABNA0543703266 Attn. Stichting Veldwerk, p/a Egmond binnen Bank: ABN-Amro 543703266

14th of february 2007, Valentinesday in Kathmandu, Nepal.

And then the snow came down in Kathmandu, what a romantic picture!
All the more if you realise that it has been more than 62 years ago since it snowed for the last time in the valley, by Nepalese standards this means 4 generations. No need to say this caused great exitement, people stopped doing what they were doing and went out on the street to observe this magical picture. It took only a little longer before a massive snowball fight started in the streets of Kathmandu.

But the unexpected snow also caused a lot of bamboo trees to collapse, and to blocking the airport and some roads, since there is no equipment present to remove it. Also higher up in the mountains, people had to stop their trekking expeditions, and head back for the cities. This was not without risk, at least ten people died in avelanches while trying to make it back, adding a our aftertaste to the event. However, the snow also caused an important addition to the drinking water resources of the capital.

The rivers are not only used for drinking water, but also to generate electricity. Because of the low water level the power supply in Kathmandu is switched of 7 hours a day at present times! Forget about conserving food in a fridge of using internet frequently. It is even said we are soon facing around 12 hours a day. Therefore, any extra water supply to the rivers is very welcome yet.

It would sound logical to use other energy sources during the periods when the electricity is not available, but unfortunately the conflict between the government and some disadvantaged groups still continues, causing strikes and sabotage in the gas and petrol sectors. These groups are mainly active in the Terrai plain, which is the connection between India and the rest of Nepal. Besides them, maoist movements are also still active, although they now take place in the government after signing the peace treaty last year. The unrest outed itself, amongst other things, in the burning of cars on the two main roads that connect Kathmandu with India, and thus, with a lot of supplies, and the wrecking of a police station. Concrete, steel, you name it, and there is a need for it. This also is starting to cause problems in supplying our children's house with enough daily food to feed 35 people.

Luckily, we have two solar installations on the roof of the children's house. This equipment was sponsored by Malou van der Geest, who was active in our organizations as a volunteer. She raised funds in her livingplace at Zoetermeer. This material is now proving its value, by cooking on solar power, letting the rice get inished in thermo boxes, we just manage at the moment.


But there are more unhappy people in Nepal that unite themselves. The people that live around the garbage spot that was appointed as the new dump no longer take it and are blocking the roads to this area. This causes the garbage trucks to return with their load into the cities and big piles of waist all over Kathmandu. Even the tourist area is only accessable by a small path, leading through the garbage. Fortunately, it is still cold in Kathmandu, but let's not imagines what happens when these piles are still here when the temperature raises, a perfect nest for diseases. Luckily, the latest reports on the matter are that the demands of the protestors are being granted soon, so let's hope this is soon settled and take a look at the next conflict.


Last year, the king was forced by massive protests to reinstall the parlement, who dismissed the royal leader of all its duties the very next day. Since he has been put on non active things settled down a little, until the king thought it was a good idea to hold a public speech last week at democrat ion day. All political leaders are now screaming to not only fire, but also evict this man. As a symbol of the public opinion, an expedition was send out to climb the everest and remove the picture of the king that was placed there after his inaugration. So once again, the atmosphere around the royal issue is getting tense....let's see

Oh well, all in all a memorable valentine's day, let's wait and see what will happen between this one and the next one.

Rene Veldt, Kathmandu, Nepal.