Kathmandu, June 19:

Leaders of different political parties today conceded that Nepali leaders lacked proper knowledge of issues related to water and sanitation.

Constituent Assembly member from the Nepali Congress Nabindra Raj Joshi admitted that politicians in the country had little

knowledge of water and sanitation issues. “I have to admit that water and sanitation situation is pathetic in the country. I would like to receive some inputs on the issue to raise voice in the CA,” he said at a discussion programme organised by the Water Aid Nepal.

He urged experts to provide enough inputs to politicians so that they would work for making a better policy on water use.

“Kathmandu badly needs a policy governing water.

I want your support to guide us to have it,” he said, adding that the politicians would support a water master plan prepared by experts.

UML leader Ananda Pokhrel said water had a big impact on the entire population but the government had yet to prioritise the issue. “The government and political leaders have never been committed to develop water and sanitation sector,” he said.

He also maintained that merely earmarking budget for water and sanitation sector would not be sufficient and there should be a master plan to guarantee water and sanitation services to the population.

CPN-Maoist CA member Parbati Thapa said the whole system should be overhauled to guarantee basic rights of water and sanitation to the people.