President authenticates National Reconstruction Bill-2072; reconstruction work to be expedited

Kathmandu / December 20: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has certified the Bill on Reconstruction of Earthquake Affected Structures-2072 BS paving the way for expediting post-earthquake rebuilding efforts in the country.

The President authenticated the bill in line with the Clause 113 (2) of Nepal’s Constitution-2072 BS, shared Assistant Spokesperson at President’s Office Dhruba Raj Acharya. This is the first-ever certification of bill by Bhandari upon her election to the post of President.

A meeting of the Legislature-Parliament on last December 16 had endorsed the bill on the reconstruction of earthquake-affected structures. After a long dispute among the parties, the Reconstruction Bill-2072 was passed unanimously. The ruling parties and the main opposition party were on altercation regarding the leadership of the Reconstruction Authority.

The April 25 devastating earthquake and subsequent powerful aftershocks had worst affected 14 districts and hit 31 districts. The natural disaster had left 8,889 killed, around 800,000 structures including residential houses damaged and over 31,000 people injured.

With the certification of the bill, the avenue for providing relief to the earthquake survivors has been opened up. After the law formulation, three tiers of structures will be put in place with the executive committee, direction committee and local committee to expedite the reconstruction works.

The government is making necessary preparation to appoint Chief Executive Officer of the Authority soon. The government has been receiving criticism for not expediting the reconstruction work despite encouraging pledge of donor agencies to provide necessary support to construction work. The government could not concentrate on reconstruction work as the ongoing strike of Madhesh region has been affecting life across the country. RSS