KATHMANDU, MARCH 10

The Government of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance of approximately Rs 2.7 billion to the Government of Nepal for implementation of the Project for the Improvement of Water Supply in Biratnagar.

Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Madhu Kumar Marasini signed notes to this effect today. Another Grant Agreement for implementing the project was signed by Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Okubo Akimitsu and Joint-secretary at the International Economic Cooperation and Coordination Division of the Ministry of Finance Ishwori Prasad Aryal.

According to a press release issued by the Japanese Embassy, this project aims to enhance the living standard of people of Biratnagar city by renovating and expanding water supply facilities, thereby broadening the water supply in Biratnagar.

At present, people in Biratnagar have to depend on shallow wells for water as they have been affected by shortage of safe drinking water. This project will contribute to improving “access to stable supply of water” for about 100,000 people by constructing new deep wells and water purification facilities.

Some of the existing facilities will also be renovated.

Ambassador Kikuta said, “The Government of Japan has been providing multifaceted assistance for the betterment of the living standard of Nepalis”.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan extended multiple support, including timely vaccine support to prevent and control COVID-19. Likewise, Japan extended financial support for economic stabilisation and development of post COV- ID-19 condition in Nepal in January. He stated, “This time, our assistance is providing safe water, which is of vital importance for human life.”

He expressed hope that this support would be effectively utilised to upgrade the living standard of the people in Biratnagar city.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 11, 2022, of The Himalayan Times

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Originally Appeared Here