Himalayan News Service

Tanahun, February 17:

Twenty-four per cent population in Tanahun is still deprived of potable water. Reduction in annual budget and country’s fragile security situation are affecting drinking water projects being run in the district.

“People are facing difficulties due to poor supply system,” said Rajendra Kumar Kunwar, division chief at the Tanahun Drinking Water and Sanitation Office.

Although Kunwar claimed 79 per cent population is supplied with potable water, the statistics recently released by FINNIDA said only 53 per cent of the population has access to clean drinking water.

According to District Drinking Water and Sanitation Division Office, three drinking water projects had been completed last year.

The Mewawari drinking water project has benefited over 500 people. Four hundred thirty-three residents have received clean drinking water after the completion of the Jamune Kewasetar project. The Chhipchhipe drinking water project covers Wards 4, 8, and 9 of the Chhipchhipe VDC .

Construction of 20 projects and renovation of one are in the pipeline, technician Ramji Lamichhane said. The Ramrung project at Bhanumati VDC, which was completed nearly two decades ago, is being renovated. It was damaged by subsequent floods.

The construction of projects are getting delayed due to budget cut by the government and International Development Agency. Poor monitoring mechanism is also one of the contributing factors, he said.