Australia and India have signed an agreement on a project to improve water and sanitation services in Meghalaya and Sikkim.
Vivek Mehrotra, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, signed an agreement on Thursday with Australia's Acting High Commissioner to India, Michelle Marginson, to implement the Gangtok and Shillong Urban Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Projects.
Australia is to provide technical assistance to help the governments these states to plan for and deliver improved water and sanitation services, especially for the economically backward areas.
By improving basic services like water and sanitation, Australia is helping lay the groundwork for ensuring the poor can improve their economic prospects and participate more fully in society, said Marginson.
The project will develop sustainable approaches to water use for the benefit of future generations, she elaborated.
She said it was particularly suitable that the project was starting in the United Nations International Year of Freshwater, which recognised the vital importance of water to sustain life.
The Rs122-crore project will start in November 2003 and take seven years to be completed. It will be executed by a leading Australian consulting firm in partnership with both the state governments.
The Resident Commissioners of Sikkim and Meghalaya were present on the occasion.
{{/usCountry}}The Resident Commissioners of Sikkim and Meghalaya were present on the occasion.
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