Press Release

Government of Japan and Government of Nepal signed Bilateral Agreement regarding ‘Project for Improvement of Water Supply in Pokhara' on Feb 15, 2017 according to which the Government of Japan extended a grant assistance of up to 4.813 billion JPY (equivalent to 4.834 billion NPR) for the implementation of the project, which is the first water treatment plant to be constructed in Pokhara. The Implementing Agency for the project is Nepal Water Supply Corporation under Ministry of Water Supply who will facilitate the construction of water treatment plant as well as distribution networks improving the quantity and quality of the water supply services in Pokhara.

Today, the groundbreaking ceremony/foundation stone laying event of the Project was held amidst an official ceremony in Pokhara where the Honorable Minister for Water Supply Ms. Bina Magar graced the occasion as the chief guest. His Excellency Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Mr. Masamichi Saigo, Chairman of Nepal Water Supply Corporation Mr. Jiulal Chaudhary, Province Ministers ,Mayor of the city and Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Ms. Yumiko Asakuma was also present during the event.

During the ceremony Minister Magar expressed special appreciation towards Government of Japan and JICA for its long and consistent support in water sector , she further stated "Safe drinking water is embedded in the constitution thus this project is significant in order to ensure improved water facility contributing to meet the SDG's goals on water supply".

Despite being the second largest city after Kathmandu and the top most tourist destination of Nepal, Pokhara does not have water treatment facilities and water is supplied to people without adequate treatment. Considering this situation the Project for Improvement of Water Supply in Pokhara is perceived as urgent and needful project that ensures safe supply of treated water to all.

This project will install a water treatment plant, transmission and distribution pipes with the objectives of meeting the drinking water quality standards of Nepal supplying all target households with water seven days a week. At the same time, the project will reduce water leakage, adjust the water supply pressure, reduce the non-revenue water ratio and take other measures to increase the collection rate of water tariffs and improve the operation system.

The water treatment plant site is situated along Mardi River, while other distribution facility is installed across Pokhara metropolitan city. Construction of the Project is expected to complete by 2021. The Project aims to enhance the conditions of living environment of Pokhara city residents and also contribute towards development of tourism industry there.

JICA has been a long and consistent partner of Government of Nepal in water supply and sanitation sector since 1970s. Since then JICA has been supporting Government of Nepal to improvise the sector via several infrastructure projects as well as institutional in strengthening projects through several cooperation scheme like grant assistance, technical cooperation and concessional loan.

Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Ms. Yumiko Asakuma reiterated that JICA would remain as reliable and consistent partner of development for Government of Nepal contributing to strengthen good relations between the two countries and its people.

Thank you.

For More Details, kindly contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh
Public Relations Officer
E-mail:SinghBrinda.NP@jica.go.jp