Nepal: Kathmandu Valley Water Supply

SOUTH ASIA

Project Brief Project Features

The project follows the investment priorities Nepal identiﬁ ed in the government’s 2010 capital investment and asset management program Kathmandu Valley Water for annual investments in water supply infrastructure in Kathmandu Valley.

Rehabilitation and expansion of the Supply Improvement water supply system. The water supply system is expanded and rehabilitated by including a bulk distribution system, and Project improving the distribution network and service reservoirs. In addition, citizens, especially the poor and households headed by women, are provided with individual connections. A 24-hour water supply in at least 10% of the service area is also provided. Efﬁ ciency improvement in water supply is ensured by the use of bulk and individual meters, reduction of nonrevenue water (NRW), and reduction of energy losses in electromechanical machinery.

Support for operating and ﬁ nancial improvements, and capacity building. Capacity building is provided, governance improved, and targets are based on Kathmandu Valley has a high population ADB interventions, and country assistance an agreed business plan. The NRW growth of more than 6% per annum and high program evaluation, which pointed to the assessment and reduction plan is also population density of more than 10,000 per need for strategic clarity and prioritization being operationalized, along with the square kilometer. e population of of urban infrastructure investments. An asset management plan. In addition, Kathmandu Valley is estimated at 2.72 million important lesson from earlier projects was the water supply GIS database is being in 2011 and 3.50 million in 2016. Rapid and to give importance to rehabilitation of updated. Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani largely unplanned urban growth, lack of networks, along with creation of assets. Limited’s responsiveness to customers sustainable water sources, and inadequate past us, the project will focus on reducing is also being improved. Community investments have resulted in poor availability nonrevenue water (NRW) and improving participation is encouraged, and public and quality of drinking water. the existing network. Another lesson is to education for health, hygiene, and behavior involve stakeholders; the project has provided Poor access to water has caused increased adequate resources for the participation of (continued overleaf) disease incidence, health risks, and associated various stakeholders. economic burdens that disproportionately impact the poor and vulnerable. e expected impact of the project is sustainable The project focuses on water supply services for residents of Kathmandu reducing nonrevenue water and In September 2011, the Asian Development Valley. e expected outcome is improved improving the existing network. Bank (ADB) approved the Kathmandu Valley access, e ciency, and reliability of water supply Water Supply Improvement Project. e project services to the residents of Kathmandu Valley, Stakeholders will also be highly was developed using lessons from previous including poor women and men. involved in the project.

(continued overleaf) SOUTH ASIA Project Brief

Project Features Nepal: Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement (continued) (continued) change in water conservation, good e project prioritizes underserved areas ADB’s Kathmandu Valley Water Supply water management practices including and poor sections of the population in Improvement Project is in line with the strategic reduce, reuse, and recycle, and rainwater Kathmandu Valley. Piped water through directions of ADB’s South Asia Department, harvesting are also provided. individual household connection is expected which focuses on sustainable infrastructure, to relieve women of the drudgery of managing climate change mitigation and adaptation, There is a gender equality and social water, giving them more time for social and human development, regional cooperation and inclusion action plan, monitoring and economically productive activities. e impact integration, public–private partnership, and evaluation, and support for project and outcome of the project are closely linked good governance. management. This output will continue with the success of ongoing projects. and enhance support being provided under the ongoing loans.

The project has also prepared a community awareness and participation plan to involve key stakeholders for widespread, ongoing, and meaningful participation Piped water through individual household connection will relieve women of the drudgery of managing water. The Project at a Glance

Cost and nancing: Asian Development Fund, Executing agency $80 million Ministry of Urban Development Project approval date: 16 September 2011 ADB department Project themes: Environmental sustainability, South Asia Department Social development, Capacity development Urban Development and Water Division Status of project implementation: Ongoing Manoj Sharma Expected loan closing date: 31 December 2016 Project O cer [email protected]

Sources: Project information document, http://www.adb.org/projects/34304-043/main; ADB. 2010. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors: Proposed Loan to Nepal for the Kathmandu Water Supply Improvement Project. Manila. http://www2.adb.org/Documents/RRPs/NEP/34304/34304-043-nep-rrp.pdf

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