Kathmandu, August 31:

Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of $80,923 (equivalent to approximately Rs 5,316,000) for the reconstruction and maintenance of Phedi-Kotyang-Ghumaunechaur rural road in Kavrepalanchok District.

This assistance has been extended to the Committee for the Reconstruction and Maintenance of Phedi-Kotyang-Ghumaunechaur Rural Road under the grant assistance for grassroots human security projects (GGP) scheme of Japan for its fiscal year 2007.

A grant contract to this effect was signed and exchanged today between Tsutomu Hiraoka, ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Krishna Bahadur Tamang, chairman of the committee.

Anaikot, Jaisithok, and Mahadevsthan Village Development Committes are located in the northern part of the district. Though the Village Development Committes are situated close to Arniko Highway, the condition of the access road is unsuitable for good transportation.

As a result, people are facing difficulties in their daily life like in receiving medical treatment on time and carrying their agro-products to markets.

The Grant will be utilised for the improvement of a 10-km section of the road linking the three Village Development Committes.

Construction work will be carried out in participation with local people, and will benefit approximately 18,000 people residing along the road.

Originally, the farmers in the area were engaged in growing Japanese seeds provided through the cooperation of a Japanese Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

The improvement of the road will enable easy transportation of the produce to markets and will contribute to the enhancement of the living standard of the area.

After the signing of the contract, ambassador Hiraoka mentioned that Japan’s assistance to Nepal for the achievement of sustainable development through poverty alleviation, includes infrastructure development.

He further explained that the Banepa-Sindhuli-Bardibas road (Sindhuli road) is another example of a major cooperation extended to Nepal under the grant aid of Japan.

The Sindhuli Road has already linked Dhulikhel to the southern part of Kavre and is planned to connect the eastern Tarai through Sindhuli.

The construction of the Phedi-Kotyang-Gumanechaur road connecting the Sindhuli road will have an economic impact that will boost the agriculture productivity.

Additionally, he expressed hope that both projects will play a symbolic role in further strengthening the relationship between Japan and Nepal.