NAMIBIA SEEKS INDIA'S ASSISTANCE IN RURAL DRINKING WATER, HOUSING AND SANITATION

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Namibia has sought India’s assistance in the field of Rural Drinking water, housing and sanitation. This was conveyed by the Namibian Minister for Regional and local government Mr. Nickey Lyambo to the Rural Development Minister Shri Shanta Kumar when he called as him here today. The visiting Minister said sixty three per cent of Namibian population does not have access to safe drinking water. He said 300 bore wells have been set up in rural Namibia with Indian know-how and assistance. The visiting Minister also wanted to know the functioning of local self-government in India and the means to increase the level of people’s participation.

Shri Shanta Kumar conveyed India’s desire to exchange of views and experiences in these areas. He said India has adopted a 3-tier system of local self-government in rural areas with reservation of seats for women. This, he said, has resulted in higher participation of people in general and women in particular.