KATHMANDU, JUNE 28The foundation stone for the 'Project for the Improvement of Water Supply in Biratnagar' under Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) was laid today during an official ceremony at Devkota Chowk, Biratnagar Metropolitan City, inside the premises of the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC). Foundation stone laid for Lowo Nyiphug Namdrol Norbuling Monastic School dormitory building Investment of Rs 9 billion raised for Mid Kaligandaki hydro project In March 2022, JICA signed a grant agreement with the Government of Nepal in Kathmandu to provide grant aid of up to 2.541 billion yen for the project.The project aims to enhance the living standards in Biratnagar by renovating and expanding water supply facilities, thereby broadening the water supply area.

It also aims to contribute to the achievement of SDGs Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) and Goal 3 (good health and well-being), according to a statement issued by JICA Nepal. Minister of Water Supply, Rajendra Kumar Rai, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and laid the foundation stone.

Other notable attendees included Shilpa Niraula Karki, Deputy Mayor of Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Suresh Acharya, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, Takahiro Tamura, Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, OKUBO Akimitsu, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, Gunakhar Bhushal, Chairperson of NWSC, as well as other distinguished ministers, mayors, and deputy mayors.Minister Rai expressed special appreciation towards the Government of Japan and JICA for their support in constructing this landmark project.

He stated that the project will significantly upgrade and improve the water supply facilities, enhancing the living standards in Biratnagar and contributing to the city's socio-economic infrastructure development.Despite being a densely populated industrial city and the capital of Koshi Province, Biratnagar lacks adequate potable water supply due to low water quantity and dilapidated pipelines.

The project envisions ensuring adequate access to safe water by constructing and upgrading facilities such as water treatment plants, clear water reservoirs, and distribution main pipelines, as stated by JICA Nepal.OKUBO Akimitsu remarked, "The project's beginning today is yet another step in the consistent support of Japanese assistance to the Government of Nepal in the water supply sector, one of the fundamental sectors for socio-economic development."The construction period for the project is set from June 2024 to May 2026. .

This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com