Japanese Assistance for Micro Irrigation

Kathmandu, 24 JulyDainikee)

The Embassy of Japan has decided to extend a grant of USD 48 thousand, 542 equivalent to approximately 3 million, 7 hundred and thirty-eight thousand, 219 Rupees to Nepal Humanitarian Help Organization for the implementation of the Project for Micro Irrigation and Clean Drinking Water in Tanahun District 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, and Mr. Ram Chandra Kaphle, Chairperson of the Nepal Humanitarian Help Organization (NHHO).

The grant will be utilized in the following way:- for the construction of the intake; the water reservoir tank; the fish pond; the distribution pipes, and essential equipment for running the facility. This will directly benefit 400 households with drinking water and irrigation water over 30 hectors of farm land in Gurungtal, Bandipur VDC, Tanahun District.

Access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity of life and plays an important role in enhancing the health of people. However, safe drinking water has remained out of the reach of number of people living in Nepal. Hence, the project aims to solve the water problem by introducing water from a spring in the hills and building a reservoir and distribution system. The outcome of this plan is water not only for drinking, but also for agriculture and fish farming as well.

NHHO will contribute technical support for the users committee, which was formed by the mothers’ group, and implement training during the installation for the operation, management and maintenance of the water supply systems, including monitoring and evaluation. NHHO are experienced in the safe handling of water supplies, and carrying out water quality checks in project areas.

During the signing ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Mr. MIZUNO expressed his hope that this project will provide not only drinking water but also income generation through the installation of micro irrigation and a fish pond. It is believed this project area has great potential because of its location on the highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. He also expressed his firm belief that this project will raise a sense of ownership in the community for the sustainability of the water facilities, enhance solidarity in the community, and empower village people through income generation. 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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