US increases support to Nepal

'Baliyo Ghar' (Strong House) is a five-year, US$ 8 million project that will train local masons, carpenters, engineers, and affected homeowners, it said, adding that Baliyo Ghar will also support the establishment of a National Reconstruction Technology Center and three training centers at the district and local levels in Dolakha, Dhading, and Nuwakot districts. "Baliyo Ghar will be implemented by the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) in cooperation with the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, and National Planning Commission," the release added. USAID will also expand its ongoing resilience project, 'Sabal', to invest $2.7 million in training local masons in Sindhupalchok and Kavrepalanchok districts. "In addition, USAID has made a $9.6 million contribution to the World Bank Nepal Earthquake Reconstruction Multi-Donor Trust Fund," the release added. "This contribution will directly support the Government-led beneficiary survey in the 14 most-affected districts, as well as the provision of housing reconstruction cash grants to affected homeowners." "This week, as Nepal marks six months since the April 25 earthquake, we are pleased to announce our new and expanded initiatives and pledge that we will continue to help rebuild a safer and stronger Nepal," US ambassador to Nepal Alaina B Teplitz said in the press note. "These new projects and expansions of existing programs are valued at more than $20 million," she said, adding that they are part of the $130 million committed by the US government in response to the earthquake.