Kathmandu, April 25
Development partners in Nepal have called the government to accelerate the post-earthquake reconstruction works.
The Nepal International Development Partners Group (IDPG) in a statement issued on the occasion of the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake commented that many beneficiaries are yet to feel relief after the disaster.
“Now in rural areas, some communities are getting back on their feet and taking ownership of the task of building back,” the apex platform of the international partners present in Nepal comprising country representatives, international organisations and INGOs said, “But there are also people and communities who are yet to receive help and for whom the process of reconstruction has not moved fast enough.”
“We understand and share their frustrations and realise that these processes will need to move faster.”
Highlighting that the elected local government bodies to be formed after the elections scheduled for May and June will have key roles to play in the reconstruction process, the development partners stressed, “Reconstruction has to continue to be a top priority on the national agenda for some time to come, steered by a strong National Reconstruction Authority.”
They demanded that the NRA be equipped with all necessary means at its disposal to steer and coordinate these multi-stakeholder efforts.
“The time ahead will not be easy, but working collectively, it is possible to overcome the trauma and to build back better,” they reminded, expressing the commitment to continue supporting the government and people of Nepal in the reconstruction process.
Informing that the government and the development partners have agreed to carry out reconstruction works on the basis of principles of equity, ownership, safer construction, and transparency and accountability, they concluded, “Rebuilding a safer, more resilient Nepal is in the interests of the people and the Government of Nepal, all its development partners, and its friends and well-wishers around the world.”
