KATHMANDU, Sept 13: Projects worth nearly Rs 1 billion have been mobilised under government coordination to ensure the safe protection of children affected by the Bhotekoshi flood and step up disaster response efforts.
The temporary protection centre for flood-affected children in Thecho, Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, is in the final stage of preparations, according to the secretariat of Sita Badi, Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security.
The secretariat said painting, flooring, mattress and curtain arrangements, office setup and electrical wiring have been completed in Block A of the centre, which has been prepared for the temporary protection of children.
Worth of stories
The Nepal Red Cross Society has also provided 20 hygiene kits, while the rooms required for the children are ready. Construction of the centre's main entrance has also been completed.
Construction of the toilet and kitchen blocks is still under way. Until permanent toilets are completed, preparations are being made to provide temporary mobile toilets in coordination with Lalitpur Metropolitan City and UNICEF.
Land levelling and gravel work are being carried out in coordination with Godawari Municipality. The municipality has also provided flowers for landscaping and beautification of the premises. Nepal Scouts and Leo volunteers are assisting with cleaning, gardening and overall site management.
Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Council has allowed international non-governmental organisations to sign project agreements through a shortened process until October 1, 2026, to support disaster response.
During this period, 121 new projects proposed by 118 international non-governmental organisations have been approved. The total budget for these projects stands at Rs 978.813 million. An additional Rs 2.794 million has been approved for amendments to two projects, bringing the combined amount for new and amended projects to Rs 981.608 million.
Similarly, 56 international non-governmental organisations have mobilised relief materials worth Rs 412.636 million. They have also deposited Rs 44.633 million in cash into the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund and Prime Minister's Relief Fund.
Thirty-five national non-governmental organisations have aided worth Rs 188.438 million and deposited Rs 29.908 million into the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.
The government said coordination among the government, local governments, national and international non-governmental organisations and development partners is being strengthened to make immediate protection, relief and rehabilitation more effective for children and other citizens affected by the floods.
