Access to basic drinking water to be provided to cent per cent population: Minister Yadav

Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has reiterated on the government's target of making basic drinking water accessible to the cent per cent population.

In response to the questions raised durng the budget discussions in the House of Representatives today, Minister Yadav stated that the goal is to provide access to basic drinking water to 100% of the citizens and to improve the quality of drinking water services.

"As per the concept of balanced development, priority is given to the provinces ranking low in the human development index, and continuity is given in the budget for the development and expansion of drinking water and sanitation permitted by limited available resources," he said, adding that programmes focused on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are being implemented in Karnali and Sudurpaschim, while arsenic reduction-focused programmes and projects are prioritized in the Madhesh province.

Minister Yadav said since approximately 66 percent of the country's total population is urban and the remaining is in urbanizing areas, it is essential to manage the increasing demand for drinking water due to changing lifestyles and to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services. 

According to the Water Supply Minister, there are positive results such as a significant decrease in child mortality rate caused by waterborne diseases in Nepal, an increase in average life expectancy, improvement in public health leading to an increase in productivity and household income, environmental improvements, and enhanced living conditions for women, especially girls, along with increased access to education for them.

He said that the drinking water and sanitation sector has been established as a cost-effective sector in terms of investment for the nation.

Minister Yadav added that arrangements have been made for the federal government to implement large-scale projects that ensure safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for all citizens, benefiting the public immediately.

“So far, about 98 percent of the population has access to basic drinking water, and about 28 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water services. According to the sustainable development goals, there is a challenge to provide 99 percent of the population with access to basic drinking water and 90 percent to safe drinking water by 2030,” said Minister Yadav.

Stating that there are only five years left to achieve the sustainable development goals, and due to insufficient budget allocation and a small organization, there are many tasks still pending, and for this reason, he urged everyone to prioritize this area. (RSS)