As reported in an earlier update in early December, the irrigation project was halted due to unusually
cold weather. We spoke on the phone with our Nepal ICO team lead Navin Adhikari this week and he
reported that in January the building of the canal in Lahachowk resumed but was stopped again due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The country has been in lock-down since early March impacting the ability to purchase supplies and safely work. Navin reports most villagers being safe but access to food has become an issue for those who do not own land and although the local government is trying to re-distribute funds for food, it may not be sufficient. The canal building will only start up again once it is considered safe to do so. Navin will keep ICO updated on the community needs and when the project will resume.