Regional Initiative
It was interesting to read the cover story SACOSAN III: Regional Initiative for Sanitation (November 28-December 04, 2008). I agree with you that eight countries of South Asian Region have variations in the level of economic development and geographical size but all the countries have one thing common: their poor sanitation coverage. Despite achieving high economic growth and development, we are yet to be able to provide safe drinking water and sanitation to all our population. The meeting like SACOSAN is right step towards addressing the issues like sanitation.
Maila Tamang
Via Email
Shameful Situation
It is shameful to our political leaders of New Nepal to see such a large percent of population living without sanitation (SACOSAN III: Accepting Sanitation as Human Rights Number 28- December 04). How can they bring change without implementing the program to have basic sanitation facilities for the common people? Although Minister of Physical Planning and Work Bijaya Kumar Gachhedar expressed his strong determination to implement the SACOSAN III resolution, it is yet to see how the government will do it.
Santosh Nakarmi
Via email
Enormous Challenge
Despite many political differences among the countries of South Asia, SACOSAN is right regional body to deal with the basic human issues like sanitation. Of course, the region has made enormous progress in economic development. One of the tragedies is that the countries of the region are yet to provide basic facilities like sanitation to its
citizens. Even Mahatma Gandhi stressed that sanitation enhances dignity but the entire nation in the region failed to properly handle the matter. Accepting sanitation as fundamental rights, the leaders of the region tried to correct their past mistakes. This must be taken as a right step towards the right direction. Millions of people living
in this region will have basic facilities like toilet in their home.
Santan Singh
Via email
Mobilize Community
Of course, Nepal's progress in sanitation is not rosy but Nepal has done certain good things. The mobilization of communities to increase the sanitation coverage is right step. Unfortunately, the country paper failed to mention this important program. In the last few years, Nepal's community organizations have shown that they can really play an important role of social mobilization. The role played by the community must be recognized.
Jamuna Karki
Via email
Discouraging Trend
Just a week after publication of cover story Resurgence of Tourism Industry in Spotlight, Maoist led trade union launched series of activities to discourage the tourists visiting to Nepal. Forcing hotel entrepreneurs by demanding high salary, Nepal's tourism industry has sent a wrong message to the world. Tourism industry is very sensitive industry. If we will not give up our old habit to create noises on all issues, Nepal may face more dire consequences in future. We can increase the number of tourists for certain period but we cannot continue it for long period of time. I would like to request trade unions please allow the industry to move smoothly.
Subodh Hamal
Jawalakhel, Via Email
Union Worry
Just after the publication of article in Spotlight about resurgence of tourism industry, Maoist affiliated trade union disrupted the tourism industry by shutting down hotels in Nagarkot. Although Maoist party is in the government, its trade union organizations are working as anti-government forces like in the past fulfilling the interest of inimical forces of Nepal. Otherwise I don't see any reason for them to take such a harsh step to evict the foreigners from hotels. Of course, labors also have right to put
forward demands but they must abide by the law and see the interest of their own industry. At a time when global economy is melting down, Nepal needs to take several steps to protect itself. Promoting the tourism industry is the best option.
Goljying Lama
Boudha Via email
