Press Release

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of Nepal in Kathmandu today, to provide grant aid of up to 2.541 billion yen 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.

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.

In addition, serving as a countermeasure against infectious diseases, including COVID-19, this 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 the Government of Nepal in water supply sector, one of the fundamental sectors for socio economic development.

Planning Site for Constructing the Water Treatment Plant

Current Facility: Tinpaini Pump Station

Current Water Quality from Water Well

Mr. OKUBO Akimitsu, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office, signing the Grant Agreement for the project

Mr. Ishwori Prasad Aryal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, signing the Grant Agreement for the project

This year, 2022, is the 120th anniversary of International Student Exchange between Nepal and Japan, and Japan celebrates this anniversary as one of "Japan-South Asia Exchange Year".

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh - Public Relations Officer (JICA Nepal Office)