Japan and UNDP continue to boost earthquake recovery and local services in Western Nepal

KATHMANDU, May 27: The Embassy of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) handed over a newly constructed prefabricated buildingto Nalgad Municipality in Jajarkot district on Wednesday.

This was the first of the ten buildings being constructed in Western Nepal to strengthen community infrastructure and improve service delivery aspart of abroader recovery effortin response to the November 2023 earthquake.

Supported by the Government of Japan, and in partnership with UN-Habitat and local organizations, the buildings are being constructed in Nalgad, Bheri and Barekot municipalities in Jajarkot district and Aathbiskot and Sanibheri municipalities in Rukum West district in the areas worst affected by the earthquake. These buildings are replacing damaged public facilities and will be used to deliver essential public services, including a ward office, an immunization center, and a police post amongst others.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan Yasuharu Shinto said, “I hope that this project will strengthen local and district-level governance in earthquake-affected areas to ensure the continuity of basic service delivery, support long-term reconstruction, and enhance disaster preparedness.”He also noted that the completion of the project adds to the celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Nepal. He emphasized that this initiative would further strengthen the partnership between Japan, UNDP, and Nepal.

UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka highlighted that recovery from disasters is a long-term process that goes beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure. “It requires sustained efforts to restore livelihoods, essential services, governance systems, and community facilities,” she said. Commending the leadership of the local governments in supporting recovery efforts, she emphasized continued collaboration amongst the local government, communities, and other partners to ensure the sustainability and effective use of the supported facilities.

Mayor of Nalgad Municipality Dambar Bahadur Rawat emphasized that the project has adopted an integrated approach addressing not only infrastructural needs but also livelihoods, psychosocial support, and local governance through strengthened emergency preparedness, response planning and capacity building efforts.