Kathmandu: Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that basic drinking water is accessible to the entire population. In response to questions during the budget discussions in the House of Representatives, Minister Yadav emphasized the goal of providing basic drinking water access to 100% of citizens and enhancing the quality of water services.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Yadav highlighted the government’s focus on provinces with lower rankings in the human development index, allocating budget for the development and expansion of drinking water and sanitation services. He noted that specific programs are being implemented in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim regions, while the Madhesh province is seeing prioritized efforts for arsenic reduction.
Minister Yadav pointed out the necessity of managing the rising demand for drinking water as approximately 66% of the population resides in urban areas, with the rest in urbanizing regions. This management is crucial to providing safe drinking water and sanitation services amid changing lifestyles.
The Water Supply Minister reported positive outcomes from these initiatives, including a decrease in child mortality rates due to waterborne diseases, increased average life expectancy, improved public health, and enhanced productivity and household income. He also noted environmental improvements and better living conditions for women and girls, leading to increased educational access.
Minister Yadav emphasized the drinking water and sanitation sector as a cost-effective investment area for the nation. He mentioned federal government arrangements for implementing large-scale projects to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, benefiting the public promptly.
Currently, about 98% of the population has access to basic drinking water, with 28% having access to safe drinking water services. Minister Yadav acknowledged the challenge of meeting the sustainable development goals, which aim for 99% access to basic drinking water and 90% to safe drinking water by 2030. With only five years remaining to achieve these goals, he called for a prioritization of this sector amid budget constraints and limited organizational capacity.