JICA briefs on its post-quake assistance

Kathmandu / April 25: The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today held a workshop to illustrate the overview of activities for reconstruction and rehabilitation works carried out by Nepal Government and Japan in the aftermath of the massive earthquake.

The workshop dubbed ‘Build Back Better and Resilience Workshop on 1 Year Memorial of Nepal Earthquake’ also saw discussions on expediting the reconstruction works.

At the programme, NRA Chief Executive Officer, Sushil Gyawali, expressed his high commendation for the support lent by Japan in post-quake reconstruction and added that the comprehensive survey for reconstruction in quake-stricken districts was in final stages.

He added that the NRA will come up with a five-year strategic planning for completion of the entire work related to reconstruction.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Masashi Ogawa, said Japanese government was continuing is assistance in essential service sector as education and health, and assured of continued support.

JICA Vice President, Hiroshi Kato, said the reconstruction and rebuilding in the aftermath of the calamity should be made sustainable and strong to minimize the possible losses in future disasters.

On the occasion, NRA Joint Secretary,Ram Prasad Thapaliya, gave a presentation on reconstruction policy and accomplishment.

According to a statement, JICA in course of its recovery activities at the quake-stricken areas rehabilitated 60 classroom blocks and other 90 schools in Dhading, Gorkha and Nuwakot district. It plans to reconstruct 80 schools in Gorkha, Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Makwanpur districts.

In housing sector, JICA is assisting in rebuilding houses in compliance to earthquake resistant standards in Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha. In collaboration with Nepal Government, JICA also produced guidebook for reconstructing quake-resistant buildings and have already trained 403 masons and 1012 households in building safer houses.

JICA also completed emergency recovery of partially damaged section of Sindhuli and Bhaktapur-Kathmandu road. It has further implemented couple of quick impact projects for livelihood support in Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha that include the construction of women training centre in Chautara and VDC Office of Thokarpa.

Reconstruction of Bir Hospital and Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, replacement of water transmission pipeline in Sindhupalchowk and bridge construction in Gorkha are some pipeline projects in infrastructure sector, JICA said.

In total JICA assisted 32 billion Japanese Yen for reconstruction and rehabilitation work, the statement reads. It has assured of expedition on recovery and rehabilitation project for maximum support to quake victims in cooperation with the NRA. RSS