October 28 2005

The issue you covered in the cover story this issue is very relevant “URBAN SQUATTERS: Sanitation Triggers Transformation” (SPOTLIGHT October 7). It is something which has direct impact on the general public. Such issues do not get much coverage in the mainstream media. Instead, the political issues, which attract lesser readers, are included as headlines. So, the coverage of such issues which have direct impact on the general people should be included.

Girish Shrestha
Gongabu

Good News

It is good to know that the lives of slum dwellers inside Kathmandu valley is improving thanks to the improved sanitation and increased awareness about safe drinking water “URBAN SQUATTERS: Sanitation Triggers Transformation” (SPOTLIGHT October 7). The non – governmental organizations such as Lumanti, Water Aid, ENPHO, NEWAH, among others, deserved to be thanked on behalf of all the city dwellers. The transformation in the lifestyles of these people who are living in squatters, is not only a good thing for them it is also pleasing for other people living around their settlements. That is because the impact of sanitation and health in these areas is not confined to that area alone. It has spill over effects on other people in surrounding areas as well. Bad sanitation in such areas would affect the neighboring residents also. And if an epidemic outbreaks the neighboring people are easily affected. So, the residents of Kathmandu should both welcome and cooperate with these activities which help to improve the sanitation and health situation of the squatter settlements.

Rabindra Tuladhar
Balaju

Very Relevant Issue

The issue you raised in the cover story this issue is very relevant “URBAN SQUATTERS: Sanitation Triggers Transformation” (SPOTLIGHT October 7). The issue of safe and adequate drinking water and proper sanitation is everybody’s concern. However, what is grave in our context is, while we are already facing an acute shortage of water with the demand for the water rising every year. Instead of exploring new water sources to meet the increasing demand, even the existing sources are drying up. This has been one of the major headaches of both the policy planners and the residents alike. Such issues should be raised time to time in the media so that the policy makers are reminded of it and are pressured to take timely actions.

Reena Upraity
New Baneshwore

Drink Safe Drinking Water

It is a well known fact that there is a shortage of water supply in Kathmandu all seasons “URBAN SQUATTERS: Sanitation Triggers Transformation” (SPOTLIGHT October 7). This is a difficult problem and cannot be solved with individual and small efforts. However, the problem of unsafe drinking water is not the same as shortage of water. Even though, drinking water can be purified at individual level with little effort, lot of people in Kathmandu are still deprived of clean drinking water. Because of this people contracted numerous water-borne diseases shooting up their health bills and decreasing their work performance. So, everyone should practice drinking safe water and proper sanitation so that the repercussions are not very bad.

Neestha Gyawali
Handi Gaun

Dr. Giri is Behind Time

Reading the interview with Dr. Tulsi Giri gave me the impression that he is not as bad a person as has been portrayed by the broadsheet dailies “The People Do Not Agree On All Matters All The Time But There Are Certain Matters We Can Agree” (SPOTLIGHT October 7). Overall his insights are quite rational. However, his idea that the state can be run unilaterally with the force of monarchy bypassing the political parties is a very untimely comment. Looking at the global scenario and the level of awareness among the Nepalese people it seems impossible in the present context for the King to rule without taking the parties into confidence. And with people like Giri, who despises the political parties more than anything, at the helm of the administration, the parties are not in a position to trust the King. I would like to thank the editor for bringing the interview with Dr. Giri.