KATHMANDU, April 30: The Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly has urged the government to immediately address the problems related to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in Madhes Province.
At a discussion the committee held on its report on Thursday, its members expressed worry over growing crises of drinking water compounded with poor sanitation and coordination in a short supply. Committee member Kamala Panth said the government failed to pay heed in time, resulting in entrenched problems of drinking water and sanitation in southern plains.
"Deep borings are not functioning well for lack of depleting water table, and projects on drinking water are pending for long, thereby posing serious concern for Madhesi people.
Hope of getting clean drinking water elates Chainpur locals
Another member Rekha Kumari Jha viewed plans and programmes should be forwarded by realizing the plights of the people in Madhes Province.
Wiping out legal hurdles is essential to establish smooth coordination among three layers of government. So, public awareness programmes should also be launched together, according to Samjhana Devkota.
It was Sabitri Malla underscoring the effectiveness of 'open-defecation free' status in Madhes, to which the forthcoming federal budget could pay attention.
Other members noted the urgency of conducting scientific study on Chure deforestation and depletion of water table, and ending the trend of not enforcing policy and programmes.
