Post-earthquake reconstruction in priority, says Home Minister

Kathmandu, Aug. 16: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has asserted that the government has prioritised moving ahead the post-quake reconstruction in an effective way in the affected areas, following the earthquake that occurred with epicentre at Jajarkot and Bajhang last year.

Responding to lawmakers’ queries in a meeting of the Assembly today, Minister Lekhak informed the Upper House that the government is proceeding making some legal provisions, as various bodies have released the funds for the post-earthquake relief and rehabilitation.

“The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has released Rs 3.16 billion to the District Disaster Management Committee Fund, along with equal Rs 50 million for Rukum West and Jajarkot districts for the 85,690 identified beneficiaries.

The District Disaster Management Committee has released Rs 2 billion 25 million and 25 thousand to the Local Disaster Management Committee Fund,” he said.

According to him, the Local Disaster Management Committee has released Rs 1 billion 925 million and 825 thousand as first tranche to the account of 77,033 beneficiaries who have completed the due process.

He also informed the Assembly that the District Disaster Management Committee has released Rs 239 million and 600 thousand for 9,584 of the identified beneficiaries. The Home Minister said that the 1,255 beneficiaries of Bajhang have already received Rs 31 million and 375 thousand in second tranche while reports of distribution of the second tranche amount are coming in from other districts.

Home Minister Lekhak stated that around Rs 909 million 475 thousand is in reserve in the funds of the District and Local Disaster Management Committees in Jajarkot, Rukum West, Salyan, Bajhang and Bajura districts for building temporary shelters.

According to him, the government is now preparing for managing the funds for post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation in the affected districts.(RSS)