Kathmandu, Mar. 10: The Government of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance of Rs 2.7 billion to the Government of Nepal for the implementation of the Project for the Improvement of Water Supply in Biratnagar.

Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, KIKUTA Yutaka, and Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Madhu Kumar Marasini, signed notes to this effect today.

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. At present, people in Biratnagar have to depend on shallow wells to get water for daily household use and have been affected by a 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. Furthermore, some of the existing facilities will also be renovated, the embassy said in a statement.

On the occasion of signing the notes, 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 the COVID-19. Likewise, Japan has extended financial support for economic stabilization and development of post COVID-19 Nepal in January. Ambassador KIKUTA further stated that “This time, our assistants is providing safe water which is of vital importance for human life”, and expressed his hope that this support will be effectively utilized to upgrade living standards in Biratnagar City, read the statement.

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 Ministry of Finance, Ishwori Prasad Aryal.

Likewise, Japan has extended financial support for economic stabilization and development of post COVID-19 Nepal in January.

The Japanese Ambassador KIKUTA shared, "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."

Similarly, Secretary Marasini on the behalf of the government of Nepal thanked the Japanese government for its continued support in Nepal's socio-economic development endeavours.