Govt forming project implementation units in quake-hit districts

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to establish Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Project Implementation Units in the earthquake-affected districts of Jajarkot, Doti, and Bajhang to expedite reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

The decision comes in response to a series of devastating earthquakes that struck western Nepal over the past two years. On October 3, 2023, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Bajhang, followed by a 6.6-magnitude earthquake in Doti on November 9, 2022. Similarly, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook Jajarkot and Rukum West districts on November 3, 2023. Successive governments have faced criticism for the slow pace of reconstruction in these affected areas.

Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced that the units will be operational by next week. The decision was made during the 29th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority held on Thursday.

“Over the past six months, we have conducted detailed damage assessments, developed necessary criteria for private home reconstruction and rehabilitation, formulated guidelines, and allocated the required budget,” said Lekhak. “We will now accelerate the assessment of damage to private homes caused by the earthquakes centered in Jajarkot, Bajhang, and Doti, while also speeding up reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.”