ADB to take diversion of its aid seriously
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KATHMANDU, JUN 23 -
Sultan Hefeez Rahman, director general of the Asian Development Bank for South Asia Department, said on Wednesday that any diversion of its aid for purposes other than those intended would be taken seriously.
“We are very much concerned about whether the resources we provide are used effectively and in a proper way,” he said at a press meet. Particularly, the ADB is concerned about the implementation of the School Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) for which it has pledged aid.
During his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari and Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Baskota, Rahman had shown serious concern over delays in the implementation of the SSRP.
Under the SSRP, education up to grade 8 will be considered basic education and grades 9-12 will be considered medium level education. Rahman said that the ADB was in continuous discussion with the government about the utilisation of its aid to the education sector. “Reforming the education sector means not only to provide access to education to more and more people but also to ensure quality education,” he said.
Former country director of the ADB for Nepal said that the ADB wanted better utilisation of its aid as per the increased assistance. The ADB is the largest donor to Nepal.
The ADB is also concerned about reported “rampant misuse” of funds at the hands of the political leadership at the local level. “The local government is not strong enough to ensure good financial management,” said Rahman.
Regarding the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, the ADB is still upbeat. “Work on the project is continuing, but it still is below the level we wanted to see,” said Rahman. “Work on the project should go on a war footing.” The ADB is the major investment partner in the Melamchi project.
The ADB sees huge potential for Nepal’s economy which has been underperforming for the last several years. “Nepal’s economic growth has remained below 4 percent, but it has potential to grow at more than 6 percent,” said Rahman.
Posted on: 2011-06-23 09:18
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