National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

“To Keep Independence Is Most Important”

— Eitaro Mitoma

Eitaro Mitoma is the Resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal Office. Mitoma has been working at the JICA-Nepal Office for the last two and a half years. Even in this short time, Mitoma has traveled to many districts of the country from the east to the west. Mitoma has also worked in several African and Asian countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Costa Rica and Thailand. He spoke to KESHAB POUDEL and SANJAYA DHAKAL on various issues relating to Japan’s assistance to Nepal as well as current situation in the country. Excerpts:

Can you shed some light on the JICA’s involvement in Nepal?

JICA started helping Nepal since 1970. Since then, it has helped in the education, health, social infrastructures like road construction, airport, telecommunication and hospital buildings. We have been sending teachers to the villages for the last thirty years. And also the community volunteers. In Kathmandu valley, we have recently helped construct the traffic intersections in ten places. There is a drinking water project in Manohara and so on.

Are you satisfied with your projects here?

Mostly yes. We also have several agricultural projects going on like Kirtipur Horticulture project. We also have some Japanese experts working at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). Likewise, we are also supporting in the dairy development and vocation training.

How has the insecurity affected your projects?

Seven years ago, we started the construction of the Dhulikhel-Bardibas road. Some part of that road is already constructed. But this has taken a long time to complete. My greatest concern is the security. Even in this road construction, last February when the Nepal Development Forum meeting was going on, the Maoists attacked a police post situated at the Bhakundebesi near the project site. Sixteen policemen were killed. In Khopasi, our sericulture project had to ‘forcefully’ donate equipment and computer to the Maoists. Similar other incidents of violence have also affected some of our projects. I have these kinds of severe experiences.

JICA’s agricultural and horticultural projects have been successful. Do you plan to continue with such projects?

Yes. Many experts were brought here more than ten years ago. But now mostly the young volunteers are engaged in extending the technologies to the families in villages.

In which new areas does JICA plan to help Nepal in future?

If the security situation is no problem then we will be helping in the post conflict revitalization and conflict prevention. This is our new pillar in the five priority areas which include Social Development (education, health, safe drinking water and uplifting of women’s status); Agricultural Development (improvement of agricultural production infrastructures and development/extension of agricultural production techniques with focus on APP priority areas); Improvement of Economic Infrastructures (upgrading of the basic economic infrastructures such as roads, bridges, airports, electric power, telecommunications, agriculture marketing, irrigation with APP focus and drainage etc) and Environment Conservation (appropriate utilization of natural resources and environmental improvement and disaster prevention). In Kathmandu Valley, we are studying whether the Okharpauwa is appropriate for the dumping of waste. JICA is reviewing to find the most effective way of resolving the waste management problem. Next month we are going to extend the agricultural projects to districts like Siraha or Dhading. We also are engaged in providing education as well as non-formal education to children who cannot attend schools for some reasons. Along with the other donor partners, we have helped in the construction of primary schools. More than 5000 school buildings have already been built. In the beginning, we built schools in Terai region.

What has been your personal experience of working here at a time when Nepal passed through arguably the most difficult phase?

As you know, on the 1st of June, 2001, the royal massacre incident happened at night time. I was very much astonished. I was very much worried about the future of this nation. There were worst scenario and moderate scenario that came to my mind. I was really worried about the safety of many of my people who work in the countryside in places like Dadeldhura, Dhangadhi, Jhapa, Biratnagar and so on. I was concerned how to get them safely out in case the situation went out of control. But so far there has been no problem.

Have you found time to visit the districts of Nepal?

Yes I have been to many places from the east to the west including Ilam, Jhapa, Dhankuta, Hile, Birgung, Bhairahawa, Janakpur, Biratnagar, Chitawan, Nepalgunj, Birendranagar, Dhangadhi and so on. In many of the municipalities of Terai region, we have constructed iodized salt storage plants. Till now, six such storage plants are already constructed. But I have yet to visit the districts like Jumla and Humla of Karnali zone.

How do you see the Nepalese society?

People are very much affected by the Maoist insurgency. I find Nepalese people are largely peaceful and gentle. But due to the violent insurgency, a lot of people have left for India or the Middle-eastern countries for work.

At present, the government has nominated people to head the local bodies. Do you find any difference in working with un-elected people?

Just one month or so has passed since this new provision. I don’t know whether this system is like those in the days of Panchayat. But I think this is all temporary till the elections are held. I do not know whether this is good or not.

JICA has been involved in hydropower sector for a long time. Is there any new power project that you are considering?

Yes, we have helped construct the Kulekhani I and II. Two years ago we did a feasibility study of the Kulekhani III. This project will utilize the same water coming out of the I and II site. This project is on the cards after the completion of the middle-Marsyangdi project. But the JICA will be willing to develop small hydropower projects that are not only targeted at benefiting the people of Kathmandu valley but also the local village people. That is more important, I think.

You have worked in different countries. How different do you find working in Nepal?

Each country has its own set of traditions, cultural background and practices. Each is unique and different from others. As far as Nepal is concerned, because of hilly terrain, development efforts are more difficult. But in Terai region, it is similar to the Bangladesh or other plain countries. The development of hilly region is very difficult because of transport. In any country, transport is very important and it is the key to development. Even if you produce very good things, it will be very difficult and costly to transport them if there are no road links.

Nepal has been passing through very painful time. What do you think should this country do at this juncture?

Nepal has been struggling for survival amid huge countries like India and China. To keep independence is so difficult. But it is the most important thing. Without independence, you cannot survive. This is what I have to say. Nepal is a land-locked country and you cannot change your geography. But keeping your independence is vital for your development.