UK minister concerned over delay in reconstruction

"I was privileged to visit Nepal in August when I witnessed the devastation and destruction first hand," he said, adding that DFID is providing more than £70 million in immediate relief to the earthquake-affected areas and to support early reconstruction. "The British public has also generously donated more than £83 million in humanitarian assistance through the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal. It shows the strength of the bond between our two nations." However, Swayne said he is increasingly concerned that the humanitarian crisis in Nepal is not over. "Much needed humanitarian supplies are yet to reach many people still living in temporary shelter," he said, adding that the National Authority for Reconstruction – the key institution to accelerate reconstruction and help Nepal build back better – is still to be established. "Winter is approaching and we need to act fast to avoid a second humanitarian crisis." As Nepal and Britain celebrate 200 years of partnership, the UK stands by the people of Nepal, he said, hoping that current efforts to resolve difficulties affecting the supply and distribution of humanitarian goods can be resolved as quickly as possible. He also urged the government to formally establish the National Authority for Reconstruction. To date, the UK has announced £70 million of support to Nepal earthquake response, targeted at the 14 most-affected districts. Some £33 million has been spent for immediate life saving humanitarian assistance, creating an enabling environment for delivery of rapid humanitarian response and early recovery support to transition from relief, recovery to reconstruction. Likewise, £10 million has been spent on delivering health support, and further financial commitments have been made to support early recovery activities, he added. The UK Government humanitarian program is implemented by the DFID Nepal working closely with the Government of Nepal and other relief agencies and international organisations, according to a press release issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu. "The UK's response to the earthquake seeks to achieve the overall impact of saving lives and alleviating suffering by providing assistance to those most affected," it said. "We have recently approved an additional £7.6 million to continue humanitarian assistance efforts and to provide winterisation packages to those in high altitude areas who are going to be most affected by the coming cold weather. It includes shelter support, blankets, mattresses and winter clothes."