Yunnan Province’s solar-powered gift to Lalitpur sets new standard in public welfare projects
China’s Yunnan Province recently handed over an impressive public welfare initiative to Lalitpur Metropolitan City in Nepal. With the first solar-powered community bathroom, the Unicsolar Shower Station, and a rooftop photovoltaic project, Lalitpur is taking a bold step toward sustainable community resources in the capital.
At an event in Lalitpur, the Yunnan Commercial Representative Office in Nepal officially transferred the projects to Ward-3 of the municipality. This handover marks a milestone for Nepal as it launches its first-ever solar-powered shower station, equipped with three male and three female shower rooms and a 4,000-liter capacity for hot water. Designed to serve 80 to 100 people daily, the station aims to relieve some of Kathmandu Valley’s water stress.
Additionally, the photovoltaic rooftop project brings a 36kW capacity to the neighborhood, generating an estimated 60,000kWh of renewable energy per year. This initiative not only provides free, eco-friendly power but also paves the way for long-term energy independence for Lalitpur residents.
Lalitpur Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan extended his gratitude to Yunnan Province, commending the “state-of-the-art” facilities and emphasizing their value for local welfare. Mayor Maharjan also expressed interest in exploring further partnerships with Yunnan Province, hinting at more ambitious collaborations on the horizon.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, attended the handover and shared that this project is rooted in the Chinese development model, designed to bring sustainable and inclusive growth to communities. He highlighted China’s ongoing commitment to Nepal, with additional projects under the Vibrant Village initiative that include support for agriculture, solar energy, and education.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Yunnan Commercial Representative Office in Nepal has served as a critical link between Yunnan and Nepal. Director Yang Chenfeng noted that Yunnan has carried out nine community-focused projects across Nepal since 2022, including solar power installations, parks, and public shower facilities.
The “Yunnan Hand in Hand Project,” which funded these initiatives, aims to elevate local living standards, create jobs, and enhance community welfare. According to Ward-3 Chairman Shree Gopal Maharjan, the solar shower station is a valuable solution to the water shortages in Kathmandu Valley, benefiting residents beyond Lalitpur.
With projects like these, Yunnan and Lalitpur’s partnership represents a promising blend of green energy and community welfare, setting a precedent for future urban sustainability initiatives in Nepal.
