Mahat calls for support to prevent reversal of achievements

KATHMANDU, May 18:

Minister for Finance Ram Sharan Mahat has said that the government needs international support to prevent reversal of social and economic achievements that the country has made in the past few years.

Speaking at a program organized by 'Live to Love' in the capital on Sunday, Minister Mahat urged national and international communities to come for rescue, rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts in the country in the aftermath of earthquake to safeguard the achievements.

Live to Love is an international non-profit organization founded by Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa that specializes in Himalayan humanitarian aid.

"We have made significant progress in improving quality of life despite transitional situation in the country. The country was already moving back on the economic track. The economic growth target was also likely to be achieved this year," Mahat said. "We risk reversal of these all achievements. There is a huge gap between the enormity of problem and the government capacity to response to the disaster. We need support and goodwill of the international community for rebuilding of the country and safeguard the achievements."

He also said that the government will come up with a complete assessment of the damages made by the earthquake as well as the total fund required for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the damaged structure within a month. "The initial estimate is that we need around US$ 5 billion to 10 billion to rebuild houses, heritage cites, government buildings and other structures that have been ravaged by the earthquake. The government will mobilize some resources while it will seek support from international communities," he added.

He also said the government plans to hold a donors' conference soon to seek support in rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.

Also speaking at the program, Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said there is a need for concerted efforts of government and other groups at this time of tragedy. "The government, private sector, international communities and other groups should work hand in hand to comfort people who are affected by the tragedy," said Shrestha, who is also the managing director of Panchakanya Group, said.

Likewise, Actress Michelle Yeoh, who is also a Global Ambassador of Live to Love, said that the first priority is to provide shelter for people before the monsoon season begins. "Then, we will help rebuild lives and restore what was lost in this terrible disaster," she added.

LOVE TO LIVE TO BUILD EIGHT COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

Meanwhile, Live to Love has announced to build eight prefabricated community halls in earthquake-hit districts.

According to the organization, the community buildings will be built in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Ramechhap districts to accommodate over 2,000 people displaced by the earthquake.

"Designs for earthquake-resistant permanent homes are also being made, as Live to Love collaborates with on-ground partners like Panchakanya Group and the Drukpa Kung Fun Nuns," Live to Love said in a statement.

Finance Minister Mahat, Actress Yeoh and Panchakanya Group's Managing Director Shrestha laid the foundation of one of such community buildings to be built in Ramkot near the White Monastery in Kathmandu.

Source: Republica