Test case for ADB

Following strong opposition from Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hisila Yami, Severn Trent (ST), the British company entrusted with managing the distribution of drinking water in the Kathmandu Valley, has withdrawn from the contract. In the meantime, the Asian Development Bank is also said to be unwilling to provide assistance to run the project without ST. Huge resources have already been spent on the project. The project aims at meeting a basic need of the people of Kathmandu.

Against this backdrop, the ADB should revise its policy. It cannot walk away from the project just like that. Instead, ADB should work to preserve its image as a bank that helps the poor people in developing countries and whose policies are not influenced by those in the political establishment. This project presents a true test for the ADB.

Rupesh R Khanal, Economics lecturer, NIST Patan

Justified

Voices are being raised against the strike in the education sector. But in my opinion, it is an effective way to put pressure on the government to improve the working conditions of the teachers of private schools and colleges, most of whom are working under grossly unfair terms.

It is noteworthy that the government formed a talks team and showed its readiness to discuss the outstanding issues immediately after the declaration of indefinite strike. No doubt, the students have been adversely affected by the strike, but teachers too deserve fair treatment. It was not their wish but compulsion that forced them into taking such a drastic step. Now that the government is ready to listen to them, they should call off their strike and sit down for talks.

Abijit Sharma, Dhapasi

Downhill

The security situation in the country has only worsened in recent times. Every day, we read about killings, disappearances, rapes, torture and other horrendous crimes being committed. People feel very insecure. On the other hand, political leaders are promising again that the CA polls will take place in Mangsir. If the polls cannot be held then, Jana Andolan III is almost a certainty.

The government has not been able to guarantee the security of its citizens. And without it, credible CA polls cannot take place. The eight-party alliance should think about this issue seriously.

Bal Krishna Ghimire, Arghakhanchi

Other face

Newspapers have been carrying the excesses being committed by the Young Communist League (YCL) in several parts of the country. Maoist ministers have also been criticised. For instance, Hisila Yami has been criticised for having the guts to challenge the integrity and reliability of Severn Trent. Do we need to accept every term and condition imposed by foreigners?

Matrika Yadav, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, has also come under flak for challenging the PM on administrative matters and telling Koirala to stop interfering in his work. YCL too has been doing some good work, like helping nab sandalwood smugglers. Let us not only criticise the Maoists, but also appreciate their good work.

Dorji Tsering Sherpa, Galfutar