Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has signed an agreement with the World Bank for implementation of the Phase I of the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Program.
According to a statement world by the World Bank, the $128 million project aims to enhance the connectivity, efficiency, resilience and safety of Nepal’s provincial and local road network while also strengthening the government’s ability to manage the road network.
The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development in coordination with the province and local governments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, launched the project in the presence of ministers of physical infrastructure and development from Sudurpashchim, Karnali and Madhesh province governments.
“This project promotes the spirit of federalism embodied in the constitution bringing together the three tiers of government to work for the benefit of Nepalis. The focus of the project on environment-friendly and climate-resilient construction techniques and five-year maintenance component is key to supporting sustainable infrastructure development,” Singh said.
The first phase of the project will upgrade and improve 180 km of selected provincial roads and bridges, undertake maintenance of 400 km and 700 km of existing provincial roads and bridges, respectively, and construct 100km of all-weather roads and bridges to provide connectivity to prioritized municipalities and local levels.
“This project will help improve Nepal’s road infrastructure with a focus on resilience, and safety,” said David Sislen, World Bank Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “By working closely with the Government of Nepal, we are committed to ensuring better access to essential services and economic opportunities for millions of Nepalis.”
The first of the three-phase project will be implemented in Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces and 13 municipalities which will be scaled up in future phases. About one million people are expected to benefit from improved access to all-weather, resilient, and safe provincial and local roads and bridges, the statement said.
