Japan’s new cooperation to improve access to clean, safe water starts in Biratnagar

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the government in Kathmandu today, to provide grant aid of up to 2.541 billion yen (equivalent to Rs 2.7 billion) for ‘The Project for the Improvement of Water Supply in Biratnagar.’

The project intends to upgrade and expand water supply facilities in the Biratnagar Metropolitan City contributing to the development of social and economic infrastructure, according to a press note issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.

Despite being the densely populated industrial city and the capital of Province 1, the city lacks adequate and potable water supply largely due to low quantity of water and dilapidated pipelines. “The project envisions to ensure adequate access to safe water for around 100,000 people in Biratnagar City by constructing and upgrading facilities like water treatment plants, clear water reservoirs, distribution main pipelines to name a few,” it reads.

In addition, serving as a countermeasure against infectious diseases, including Covid-19, the Project aims to contribute not only to the achievement of SDGs Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) but also to Goal 3 (good health and well-being).

The signing marks another step of consistent support of Japanese assistance to Nepal in water supply sector, one of the fundamental sectors for socio economic development, the embassy press note adds.

Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka, and finance secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini signed the notes to this effect today.

Likewise, another grant agreement for implementing the project was signed by the chief representative of JICA Nepal Okubo Akimitsu, and joint secretary at the International Economic Cooperation and Coordination Division of the Finance Ministry Ishwori Prasad Aryal.

This project aims to enhance the living standard of the people of Biratnagar City by renovating and expanding the water supply facilities, thereby broadening the water supply area in Biratnagar, according to the Finance Ministry. At present, people in Biratnagar have to depend on shallow wells to get water for daily household use and have been affected by shortage of safe drinking water.

“The Government of Japan has been providing multifaceted assistance for the betterment of the living standard of Nepali citizens,” Japan’s ambassador to Nepal Kikuta said, adding that Japan extended multiple support, including timely vaccine support to prevent and control Covid-19.

“This time, our assistance is providing safe water which is of vital importance for human life,” he said, expressing his hope that the support will be effectively utilised to upgrade the living standard of people in Biratnagar. “Japan is committed to extending all possible assistance to Nepal in its endeavor for nation-building and strengthening the friendly relationship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.”