Tanahun, Dec. 14 -- The Satiswara-Mirlung 'lift drinking water project', which aims to benefit 1,300 households in the Bhanu and Byas municipalities, was expected to reach completion by April. But nine months since the deadline, the project is far from complete, worrying locals.

The project targets to 'lift' water from three rivers in Bhanu municipality-Kharsyang, Sisne and Deurali-to the water tanks constructed about two kilometres upstream and distribute it to the locals.

One of the reasons for the project failing to meet the deadline, according to Ram Kumar Baniya, Ward 13 chief of Bhanu Municipality, is a lack of funds to purchase distribution pipes and water taps. "The first phase of the project's infrastructure construction is alm...