February 15, 2012
| Japan Provides Assistance for Construction of Section III of Sindhuli Road Project |
The Government of Japan has agreed to extend a grant up to JP¥577,000,000, equivalent to approximately NRs.580,000,000 or US$7,393,000 to the Government of Nepal for the implementation of the Project for Construction of Sindhuli Road Section III, which stretches from Khurkot to Nepalthok for about 37km.
His Excellency Mr. Kunio TAKAHASHI, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Mr. Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, signed and exchanged a set of Notes today on behalf of their respective governments. At the same time, Mr. Mitsuyoshi KAWASAKI, Chief Representative of the JICA, and Mr. Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, also signed and exchanged the Grant Agreement for the implementation of the Project for Construction of Sindhuli Road, Section III.
Sharing his insight regarding the experience of the disastrous situation in Japan following the great earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor problems which took place in 2011, His Excellency Mr. TAKAHASHI emphasized the importance of strong infrastructure, particularly roads.
He further reiterated that in consideration of the aspirations of the people of Nepal, the Government of Japan has been responding to Nepal’s requests to achieve sustainable socio-economic development for poverty alleviation, which will ultimately help facilitate peace building and human security in Nepal. In this regard, Japan has been extending grant assistance for the Construction of the Sindhuli Road since 1995. This Project is about 160km in length, stretching from Bardibas to Dhulikhel. It is the world’s largest Grant Aid projects of Japan. In implementing the project for Construction of the Sindhuli Road, the Government of Japan had already extended more than twenty-one billion Nepalese Rupees to the Government of Nepal.
Once Section III (Khurkot–Nepalthok) is completed, the Sindhuli Road will be ready to play the role of main corridor between the capital city Kathmandu and the Eastern Terai area via Kavrepalanchok, Ramechhap, Sindhuli and Mahottari Districts, reducing travelling distances significantly. Incidentally, the Kathmandu–Bhaktapur Road, which was completed last year under Japan’s ODA, contributes to this corridor’s connectivity.
Expressing his satisfaction, HE Mr. TAKAHASHI said that the Sindhuli Road has already brought about great benefits to the local people in terms of access to health and education services and also in promoting agricultural activities and local industries. He further said the Government of Japan is supporting the Project for the Improvement of Community Access by constructing 33 bridges to provide better access to local people adjoining the Sindhuli Road. This will complement and increase the middle term benefits of the many different initiatives and activities we have been carrying out for the development of agro-economy and agro-based infrastructures in the adjoining areas to uplift living standard of rural communities.
Furthermore, HE Mr. TAKAHASHI said that Nepal is on the path to peace and prosperity. In order to accomplish the national development targets, steady progress in the peace process, without violence, is vitally important. He expressed his hope that Nepalese people will overcome all difficulties and the New Constitution drafting process for New Nepal will be accelerated. Japan is determined to continue to provide all possible assistance to Nepal, as long as the Nepali peace process moves ahead in a democratic manner.
HE Mr. TAKAHASHI expressed his belief that the Sindhuli Road is symbolic of Japan-Nepal friendship and will lead to peace and prosperity in the New Nepal, and a road that will further connect the hearts of the people of Japan and Nepal.
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