Nepal's poverty alleviation drive just received an immense boost with the World Bank approving $40 million in assistance this week. Out of the total, $25.3 million is earmarked for improving water supply and sanitation. In addition, the credit is expected to support rural communities in forming local water supply and sanitation user groups, which will be involved in planning, implementation and operating their infrastructure. The support is expected to benefit about 80,000 rural Nepalis.

The rest of the $15 million grant will be used in the Poverty Alleviation Fund, a pilot initiative to create income generation opportunities and facilitate access to basic services and infrastructure to poor rural communities. A World Bank statement acknowledged that the government recognised some NGOs, community based organisations and donors implemented successful programs to reach marginalised groups through community-managed infrastructure.