March 2, 2010
 Japanese Assistance for the Implementation of the Project for Drinking Water Facilities at Lohajara
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The Embassy of Japan has decided to extend a grant of fifty-four thousand, eight hundred and seventy-six US Dollars (US$54,876), equivalent to approximately four million, thirty thousand, and ninety-three Nepalese Rupees (NRs.4,030,093), to the Kankalini Multipurpose Service Center (KMSC) for the implementation of the Project for Drinking Water Facilities at Lohajara under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan in Japan's fiscal year 2009.
A Grant Contract to this effect was signed and exchanged today between His Excellency Mr. Tatsuo MIZUNO, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Mrs. Nunu Devi Jha, Chairperson of Kankalini Multipurpose Service Center (KMSC).
The Grant will be utilized for the full-scale boring, procurement of essential equipment, construction, and installation of one 150m deep tube-well, one water storage tank, 21 public tap stand posts, and about 7 kms of distribution pipes in Lohajara in Saptari District. Approximately 2,000 people in this village will directly benefit from this project.
KMSC will contribute technical support for the users committee and provide suggestions for operation, management and maintenance, including monitoring and evaluation during the installation of water supply systems. They are substantially experienced in the handling of safe water supplies, through thoroughly completing water quality checks in the project area.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Mr. MIZUNO stressed the need for safe drinking water and awareness of health and sanitation, and explained the necessity for installing the 150m deep tube well and motor-pump. It was found in the survey that, water drawn through the most commonly used hand-pump wells in the Tarai is not suitable for drinking. This is due to two reasons:- insufficient depth to purify bacteria, and that groundwater from between 12 to 22 meters deep contains a highly - dense concentration of arsenic. H.E. MIZUNO expressed his belief that this project will provide a good supply of safe water, and thereby control water borne diseases.
He expressed his hope that the communities involved in the project will internalize their ownership and the sustainability of the water facilities, and that it will contribute towards utilizing saved time in various income generating activities or study, ultimately uplifting the living standard of the area. Furthermore, he expressed his sincere hope that the project will play a significant role in further strengthening the relationship between the people of Japan and Nepal.
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