BIRENDRANAGAR, MARCH 14

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said sustainable development goals would be achieved before 2030.

While addressing an inaugural ceremony of the 'provincial and local roads construction and improvement programme' organised by the Ministry of Federal Affairs today, the PM said there was possibility that Nepal would meet the SDGs before the stipulated time. He pledged to accelerate the pace of development in the country.

'This inauguration marks the beginning of a national campaign, this is a historic moment and a campaign of pride. Thus, I appeal to the federal, provincial and local level governments for substantive contribution to make the campaign successful.'' He said that the programme aimed to end people's hardship and give them the feeling of happiness by putting their pursuit of safe, happy and prosperous life on top priority.

According to the PM, new roads would be safer and wider. Prevention of potential accidents due to technical error in road construction would be a priority during implementation of road projects. 'The government is working for the modernisation of agriculture and promotion of health and tourism sectors. It has also concentrated on the advancement of air transportation, roadways, and cable car. Building a helipad in every municipality and a pond are other priorities,' PM Oli shared.

Stating that the country had become open-defecation free, PM Oli opined that social development could be taken to a newer height through physical development. Oli said Nepal is the first country in the South Asia to be transformed into a digital country, and is moving ahead in terms of modern technology.

He said, 'Over 500,000 people have received vaccine against COVID-19.

The staffers are taking all necessary precaution and paying serious attention to this matter. The vaccination drive will be expedited in 210 units.'

Minister of Federal Affairs of Karnali Province Ganesh Thagunna said that 392 local levels had demanded construction of roads and added that a total of 4,000-km roads would be blacktopped and linked with the national road network.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 15, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.