NWSC staffers warn of non-cooperation Say they were not consulted before starting new project

DHARAN, JUL 11 - Staffers at the local branch of Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) have expressed concerns over authorities' failure to consult them before executing a drinking water project that will take over NWSC activities in Dharan.

Dharan Municipality has started Rs 1.73 billion project six months ago with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). As per an agreement between the ADB and the government, the NWSC will hand over all its properties as well as liabilities to the proposed Dharan Drinking Water Board that will oversee the new water supply project. The board members will include representatives of the municipality, local political parties and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the district. The project is expected to be completed by 2017.

The NWSC staffers, however, warned of non-cooperation saying that the ADB and the Dharan Municipality did not even consult them when the project was initiated. They said they are also worried about their job in the new organisational structure.

"We are not against the project. But, we are concerned over the authorities' failure to coordinate with us," said Umesh Basnet, acting chief of the NWSC branch.

Raju Pokharel, an engineer who also looks after the project at the municipality, however, said the municipality did not ignore the concerns of the NWSC staffers. “The project was initiated as per a government decision.”

Parag Kayastha, deputy director at the Project Coordination Office under the Ministry of Urban Development, said the NWSC is not unaware about the project as the project steering committee comprises ministry officials as well as the NWSC managing director.

Kayastha said the NWSC staffers need not worry about their job as those who are willing to work under the new organisational structure will be promoted and employed by the proposed board.

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