The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to assist in the reconstruction of the Kavre Valley Integrated Water Supply Scheme (KVIWSS) after it was damaged during floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains on September 27 and 28.

The scheme is under construction for improving the water supply to three old cities in the district – Banepa, Panuti and Dhulikhel.

The ADB's commitment for support to the water supply scheme was finalized following a discussion on Monday between ADB officials including its Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois and a team from the KVIWSS comprising its Board Chairman and Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor, Ashok Byanju.

The floods and landslides had devastated the water supply project which had reached the final phase of completion. Mayor Byanju said after the meeting with ADB officials that ADB has expressed its commitment for assistance for the reconstruction of the water supply scheme.

According to him, ADB has pledged to prepare the detailed project report and to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of the project.

Mayor Byanju said the natural disaster damaged the water supply infrastructure including the project's in-take, water tank and the distribution mains and branch pipes. The damage was worth Rs 218 million.

KVIWSS was launched in 2012 to solve the drinking water supply-related problems in Dhulikhel, Banepa and Panauti towns.

It is projected that 140 thousand people of the three towns would benefit from the project due for completion in 2024, with 24-hours water supply in taps at their homes.

The project cost is Rs 990 million 807 thousand, without adding VAT.