Reconstruction Mega-campaign to Be Run in Flood-ravaged Areas: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle said that work is being done to ensure there is no shortage of resources and logistics needed immediately for the rescue and relief of flood-affected people.

Talking to the media after the all-party meeting called by the chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, regarding the damage caused by the Bhote Koshi flood, search and rescue, relief, and rehabilitation, Finance Minister Wagle said that the government is committed to ensuring there is no shortfall in rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the flood.

“Right now, for these past two to four days, we will be busy with relief and rescue. The rescue of many Nepali citizens and foreign tourists is ongoing,” he said, adding that rescue works are ongoing as far as permitted by weather.

Finance Minister Wagle said that the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund has Rs 2.34 billion. “The Ministry of Finance has already allocated Rs 1.17 billion for the Home Ministry. The meeting of the Council of Ministers has given me the responsibility to move forward so that there is no any shortage of means, resources, and financial needs at the moment,” he said.
Finance Minister Wagle said that long-term and medium-term reconstruction work will only move forward after rescue and relief efforts.

He mentioned that the reconstruction work in the affected areas seems to be humongous and expressed commitment to launch a massive reconstruction campaign just like after the 2015 earthquake, once the facts and figures are in.

Finance Minister Wagle clarified that the government has also been working to mobilize resources and international cooperation.

“We had talked with the World Bank and secured about Rs 2.5 billion in financial aid. After getting commitments for immediate support from the governments of China, India, and Japan, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Federation of the Red Cross in Geneva, we have moved forward with confidence,” he said.

Finance Minister Wagle said that about 25 concrete bridges and a 700-megawatt hydroelectric project were damaged due to the flood.

The Finance Minister said the government will move forward by coordinating not just with itself but with all bodies. “All sectors, parties, and organizations in society need to get involved in the reconstruction campaign,” he emphasised. (RSS)