Monday, May 23, 2016

Recontruction of Nepal – Discussion

Recontruction of Nepal – Discussion

A cabinet meeting on Friday appointed urban planning expert Sushil Gyawali to head the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), said Pradeep Gyawali, spokesman of the ruling party.

Months of political bickering over leadership of the body had paralysed reconstruction efforts, with thousands of people still living in tents eight months after the disaster despite donor pledges of billions in aid.

In addition to killing thousands, the magnitude-7.8 quake of April 25 destroyed more than half a million homes.

Many victims have so far received little aid beyond an initial $150-a-household government payout. The new NRA head, who will oversee the $US 4.1 billion reconstruction fund, promised swift action to help those affected by the quake.

“My first priority is to offer immediate relief to the quake victims in winter,” Sushil Gyawali said.

The Government has promised an additional $US 2,000 for each household once the NRA is set up and able to disburse funds.

In June, the Government vowed to set up the NRA to oversee rebuilding and ensure all aid went to victims, as part of its bid to attract funding from sceptical foreign donors.

However, the bill conferring legal status on the body was passed only last week, delayed by political wrangling between the ruling CPN-UML party and the opposition Nepali Congress.

NRA chief Mr Gyawali said the rebuilding process would now pick up swiftly in coordination with local bodies and development partners.

“The integrity of the authority will not be compromised. We will have a strong framework in place to ensure transparency.”