The Finnish government has agreed to provide Rs1.94 billion to the Nepal government for operation of drinking water and sanitation projects in nine districts of the mid and far-western regions.
An agreement to this effect was signed between the Finnish and Nepali government officials at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, according to state-run Radio Nepal.
The grant assistance will be utilised for operation of Rural Water Resource Management Project (RWMP) in Darchula, Doti, Bajhang, Achham, Bajura, Humla, Dadeldhura, Dailekh and Baitadi districts.
The RWMP will include small drinking water and sanitation projects, programmes for enhancing the living standard of rural people and support to small hydropower plants. Finnish consultants, government agencies and local organizations will be involved in the projects under the RWMP.
Of the total Rs1.164 billion estimated cost, Nepal government will take up 7 percent investment while the local users’ groups will bear 10 percent cost, according to the report.