Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Embassy of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme have handed over a newly constructed prefabricated building to Nalgad Municipality.
According to a joint statement, this marks the completion of the first of 10 community infrastructure projects aimed at supporting recovery from the devastating November 2023 earthquake.
The project is being implemented with financial support from the Government of Japan and in partnership with UN-Habitat and local organisations. It aims to strengthen community infrastructure and improve public service delivery in earthquake-affected districts.
The 10 prefabricated buildings are being constructed in Nalgad, Bheri and Barekot municipalities of Jajarkot district, as well as Aathbiskot and Sanibheri municipalities of Rukum West district. They are designed to replace public facilities damaged by the earthquake and will house essential services such as ward offices, immunisation centers and police posts, according to the statement.
Speaking at the event, Yasuharu Shinto, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan, said he hopes the project would strengthen local and district-level governance in earthquake-affected areas by ensuring the continuity of basic services.
Similarly, Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Resident Representative, praised local governments for their leadership in recovery efforts and stressed the importance of continued collaboration among local authorities, communities and development partners to ensure the sustainability and effective use of the facilities.
Nalgad Mayor Dambar Bahadur Rawat said the project had adopted an integrated recovery approach by addressing not only infrastructure needs but also livelihoods, psychosocial support and local governance.
