Kathmandu, September 14
Prime Minister Balen Shah has assured that there will be no shortage of funds for relief and reconstruction in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.
Speaking at a meeting with elected representatives from districts and local levels declared disaster crisis zones at Singha Durbar on Monday, Shah said all state agencies were working to address the situation and that the government would ensure adequate funding for relief and reconstruction.
During the meeting, Shah also sought information and suggestions on the post-flood situation, the current challenges, immediate measures needed and plans for recovery.
Representatives from the affected areas said damaged road networks had created major difficulties in relief distribution and reconstruction, urging the government to reopen the damaged roads as soon as possible.
Rajan Shrestha, mayor of Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot, said around 19 bridges over the Trishuli River and surrounding areas had been swept away. He said roads connecting Rasuwa, Dhading and Bidur had also been disrupted, creating difficulties in rescue and relief operations.
Shrestha said the municipality was preparing to relocate affected families from temporary holding centres to rented rooms to reduce overcrowding and the risk of possible disease outbreaks. The municipality also plans to provide each affected family with Rs 10,000 for six months, along with utensils, gas stoves and cylinders, and food supplies.
He said discussions were also held with the prime minister on immediately constructing a temporary pipe diversion and installing a Bailey bridge to reconnect settlements and the provincial-level hospital located across the Trishuli River.
According to Shrestha, Prime Minister Shah pledged that all three levels of government would work together to build the necessary infrastructure without delay.
Shrestha also said local representatives suggested developing settlements in safe locations through land pooling while preserving the cultural, historical and agricultural character of the affected areas.
Representatives and chiefs of 15 local levels from disaster-affected areas of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun, along with members of the House of Representatives, attended the meeting.
