Uncertainty over NRA, slow reconstruction work worries donors

KATHMANDU, Sept 8:

As the government has failed to keep its word about expediting reconstruction projects through a fast track mode, development partners have expressed worries over the delay, uncertainties in rebuilding, and spending of the amount they pledged.

The donors have shown concern over the slow progress of reconstruction work, Govind Raj Pokhrel, vice chairman of National Planning Commission and also the CEO of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), told Republica.

NRA’s legal status is in hibernation mode as the government failed to pass the NRA ordinance. It should have been endorsed within 60 days of the beginning of the parliament session.

Talking to Republica, Kenichi Yokoyama, the country director of Asian Development Bank, said he was concerned about the slow process.

“The National Reconstruction Authority could have been functioning fully by now, with its CEO remaining, and it continuing its work, including discussing guidelines,” Yokoyama said.

ADB signed US$ 200 million agreement with the government regarding rebuilding of schools, roads and public buildings in quake-affected areas and has already started preparatory work with the concerned ministries.

Yokoyama said NRA had been expected to fast track the project development process as well as oversee the work. “Project preparation is under way and their execution -- in projects like rebuilding schools -- can be started by January,” Yokoyama added.

Likewise, the World Bank also signed an agreement with the Ministry of Finance to finance the rebuilding of houses of the poor in quake-hit districts. The Central Bureau of Statistics has also started work on a survey about the damage.

Officials of other development partners also have warned that the slow progress of reconstruction and the coverage this failure receives from the international media may risk Nepal’s reputation.

On June 25, donors pledged US$ 4.4 billion for reconstruction. The government also made a commitment to the donors that it would execute reconstruction projects in a fast track mode.

But two weeks ago, the government could not replace the NRA ordinance, with an act when it failed to get the parliament to endorse the bill, although it had already appointed a CEO for the National Reconstruction Authority.

Meanwhile, at an informal meeting of the heads of the development partner communities held at UN office Pulchowk on Tuesday, some participants warned that their attention may start diverting to the growing refugee issue in Europe.

NRA’s Pokhrel said he had been working to prepare guidelines and plans for vocational training in reconstruction-related work.   

Sources say that Monday’s cabinet decided to forge consensus with UCPN-Maoists and to table the NRA bill at the earliest. But it may take at least a week to get parliament approval if everything goes according to their plan.

Source: Republica