KATHMANDU: Minister for Drinking Water, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, has directed all agencies under the ministry to carry out result-oriented work that instills a sense of pride.

Speaking at a recent assumption-of-office program at the ministry, Minister Bhandari emphasized that everyone must work honestly to provide citizens with clean, safe, and pure drinking water.

He highlighted that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental need and right of every citizen and stressed the importance of effective planning and implementation to address existing challenges in the sector.

Minister Bhandari noted that rural and remote areas of the country still lack access to safe drinking water and pledged that providing water in these areas would be a top priority.

“Everyone should work to ensure citizens have access to clean drinking water. The ministry is committed to necessary cooperation and coordination,” he said. “Our work should make life easier for people and give a sense of pride to everyone, from staff to leadership.”

He further instructed that good governance, transparency, and accountability should be prioritized in all ministry offices, and incomplete or ongoing projects should be completed on schedule.

Stressing strict oversight, Minister Bhandari warned against delays, negligence, and irregularities in development projects, emphasizing that public funds must be used efficiently.

He also noted the positive impact of safe drinking water on public health and stressed the need for quality control to reduce waterborne diseases. Programs on drinking water and sanitation will be implemented in collaboration with local authorities, he added.

The ministry’s Secretary, Ramadhar Sah, along with joint secretaries and staff, welcomed Minister Bhandari and briefed him on ongoing and upcoming programs, including achievements, challenges, and future plans in the drinking water and sanitation sector. The program was attended by ministry officials, staff, and representatives of relevant agencies.