A senior official of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that the ADB is concerned about the adverse impacts of Nepal’s complex security and political situation on its development and poverty reduction efforts

A press statement issued by the ADB said that Kunio Senga, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Department, during his talks with government officials said that ADB recognizes that Nepal is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history and expressed concern about the disruption in basic service delivery to the poor, the lack of job opportunities and state of basic infrastructure.

“However, he was pleased that the Government had taken some difficult reform actions” the statement adds.

Senga visited agriculture, water supply and rural infrastructure projects funded by ADB in Pokhara and Tanahu districts.

“I was struck by how local communities are actively participating in development activities and that there is still development space in Nepal,” the statement quoted him as saying at the end of a five-day visit to Nepal on Sunday.

He further said that ADB’s future assistance to Nepal will be subject to a conducive environment for carrying out project work.

“It is my fervent hope that peace and stability would return to Nepal because it is very difficult for one country achieve its development and poverty reduction objectives rapidly in the current environment,” he added.

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance.

In 2005, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling $6.95 billion, and technical assistance amounting to $198.8 million, the statement adds.