By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Mar. 11: The Government of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance
of Japanese Yen 2,541,000,000, approximately Rs. 2.7 billion, for the implementation of the Project for water supply improvement in Biratnagar.
Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka and Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance signed notes to this effect on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan.

Japan’s ambassador Kikuta stated that the government of Japan has been providing multifaceted assistance for the betterment of the living standard of Nepali citizens.
Another Grant Agreement for implementing the project was signed by Okubo Akimitsu, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, and Ishwori Prasad Aryal, Joint Secretary, the International Economic Cooperation and Coordination Division of the Ministry of Finance.

This project aims to enhance the living standard for the people of Biratnagar City by renovating and expanding the water supply facilities, thereby broadening the water supply area in Biratnagar City, read the statement.
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. 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.

On the occasion of signing the notes, Japan’s ambassador Kikuta stated that the government of Japan has been providing multifaceted assistance for the betterment of the living standard of Nepali citizens.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan extended multiple support, including timely vaccine support to prevent and control COVID-19. Likewise, Japan has extended financial support for economic stabilisation and development of post-COVID-19 Nepal in January.

Ambassador Kikuta further stated, “This time, our assistants are providing safe water which is of vital importance for human life”, and expressed his hope that this support will be effectively utilised to upgrade living standards in Biratnagar City.

The Embassy of Japan is committed to extending all possible assistance to Nepal in its endeavour for nation building and strengthening the friendly relationship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal, the embassy said.