PM assures adequate funds for rehabilitation, reconstruction in flood-hit areas

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that there will be no shortage of resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods.

In a meeting with representatives of 15 disaster-hit local units in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun districts on Monday, he said preparations were underway to rehabilitate the affected areas by mobilizing resources available with the government as well as those received from donor agencies. He added that necessary works were underway to restore road connectivity as soon as possible.

Speaking at the meeting, local government representatives said extensive damage to roads and bridges had hampered relief and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.

Rajan Shrestha, mayor of Bidur Municipality, said around 19 bridges along the Trishuli River had been swept away. He said relief and rescue efforts had become difficult due to the disruption of the road connecting Rasuwa, Dhading and Bidur.

“The meeting also discussed the possibility of building a diversion using culvert pipes and a Bailey bridge to connect a provincial-level hospital and settlements across the Trishuli River,” Shrestha said. He added that the prime minister pledged to build the necessary infrastructure through coordination among the federal, provincial and local governments.

Mayor Shrestha also said preparations were underway to relocate affected families from holding centers to rented rooms to ease overcrowding and reduce the risk of possible outbreaks of disease. According to him, Bidur Municipality plans to provide each such family Rs 10,000 per month for up to six months, along with utensils, a gas stove/cylinder and food supplies.

Prime Minister Shah also said it would no longer be possible to resettle communities along the riverbanks affected by the floods. “Preparations were underway to identify safe locations near the affected areas and develop new settlements,” he added.

The prime minister also said the livelihoods, employment, education, health and culture of affected people should be protected while developing new settlements. “While developing settlements, we must take into account the employment, education, health and culture of affected people and ensure that these are restored. We must protect agricultural land and manage settlements scientifically,” he added.

Prime Minister Shah also urged local government representatives to identify suitable land for new settlements and recommend it to the federal government.

He added that the meeting with local representatives had helped him understand the situation on the ground in the affected areas and boost the morale of those affected.