Govt forwards 504 projects seeking over Rs 559bn for reconstruction following floods

KATHMANDU: The government has forwarded 504 projects seeking Rs 559.72 billion for reconstruction and restoration following floods in the Bhotekoshi, Kaligandaki and Budhigandaki basins and other monsoon-related disasters.

The 21st meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management recently recommended that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) approve the budget. Dr Dharam Raj Uprety, chief executive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), said the proposals have been submitted to the MoF with budgets organised by ministry.

Under the Ministry of Information and Communication, four short-term programmes require Rs 418 million and five medium- and long-term programmes need Rs 452.4 million. Plans include mobile BTS tower construction and operation, internet services and a satellite backup communication system.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment has sought Rs 218.2 million for six short-term programmes and Rs 993.7 million for six medium- and long-term programmes. Funds are earmarked for office management and service delivery at the Fishery Research Centre and for restoration and operation of province-based Livestock Service Offices.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has requested Rs 606.8 million for three short-term programmes and Rs 193 billion for five medium- and long-term programmes. Proposed works include reconstruction of a water-level measurement centre, river control measures on the Narayani, solar installations and restoration and construction of irrigation projects.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has asked for Rs 2.53 billion for seven projects to rebuild school buildings and provide furniture, educational materials, ICT laboratories and libraries.

Under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, 104 drinking-water projects have been proposed with an immediate budget request of Rs 1.327 billion. A further Rs 100 million has been sought for 21 immediate suspension-bridge projects and Rs 500 million for construction of tuin (rope) bridges. Nineteen projects to repair flood damage from 24–27 September require Rs 730 million.

For medium- and long-term plans, 21 suspension-bridge projects have been proposed with a request of Rs 1.47 billion, and five projects to repair structures damaged by the 25–27 September floods need Rs 155 million. A separate Rs 50 million has been requested for suspension-bridge infrastructure affected by the Mahakali River flood on 30 September.

Road-sector requests include Rs 781.208 million for seven projects addressing Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood damage, and Rs 374.7 billion for 47 immediate road plans in other affected areas. For medium- and long-term work in Bhotekoshi–Trishuli, Rs 48.261945 billion has been sought for 32 road projects. Repair and maintenance of road infrastructure in other flood-hit areas requires Rs 8.385014 billion for 142 projects. NDRRMA has also requested Rs 2.4 billion for 17 projects to upgrade and rebuild rural roads, including in Bhotekoshi and Trishuli.

A request of Rs 600 million has been made for eight immediate urban development and building-construction programmes.

Under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, six immediate programmes require Rs 270 million, and one medium- to long-term health-infrastructure programme has been proposed at Rs 175 million.

Two immediate projects from the prison office were listed but no budget was allocated. The Nepal Police has requested Rs 18.26 million for 10 reconstruction projects. The Armed Police Force Nepal has sought Rs 462.7 million for 14 immediate plans and Rs 1.1784 billion for medium- and long-term search-and-rescue equipment.

NDRRMA said additional proposals have been received from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Department of Immigration. The Finance Ministry will review the submissions before any approvals are granted.