There was genuine fear amongst earthquake victims that government as well as ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML had become indifferent toward their plight in the midst of all noise, debates, protests and counter-protests of constitution making. The fear was genuine because there had been delay in formation of much needed High-powered National Reconstruction Authority. The ruling parties had been squabbling over whom to appoint its Chief Executive Officer, while earthquake victims were battling through rain and floods in rural villages. In this context, appointment of vice-chairman of National Planning Commission Govinda Raj Pokharel as CEO of NRA is a welcome relief for all victims who are desperately waiting for government help to rebuild earthquake ravaged homes. It could become a milestone in our efforts to rebuild and reconstruct damaged public offices and heritage sites. Pokharel seems to be the right man for the job as well.He has expertise on alternative energy planning, hydropower, climate change, microfinance, rural development, planning, project management, fundraising, business and infrastructure development, technology, engineering and science—all vital qualifications required of NRA CEO. Besides, he has left a good track record as a competent officer in his previous positions. During his tenure as the Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Center, he worked for promotion of renewable energy in the rural areas. He is also credited for preparing Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) report within short span of time, which came up with something solid to show to the international community at the June 25 International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction. Various bilateral and multilateral donors together pledged around US $4.4 billion for long-term reconstruction and rebuilding.
However, the real job and challenges for NRA and its CEO have only just begun. First, NRA will have to take all development partners and international agencies into confidence so as to turn US$ 4.4 billion pledge into tangible assistance. It will have to send some credible signals to the international authorities that Nepal is really committed towards reconstruction and provide all possible assistance to the victims. Among other things, it will have to come up with economically viable earthquake-proof building structures for the villagers. Besides, NRA is yet to get a full shape—various officials are yet to be appointed and if this process takes far long, it won't be able to spring to action. It will have to use every technology available for reconstruction by including, apart from geologists and engineers, technical experts. Third, Pokharel will have to keep NRA above all political meddling. There were reports of party leaders favoring their constituencies and ignoring others during relief distribution phase. Such attempts should be resisted. Reconstruction works and fund spending must be transparent and fair. Above all, it must start working right from today. Pokharel has promised to complete all preparatory work—such as formulating necessary policies, laws and guidelines, setting up offices, prepare logistics—within a month and start the work on the ground. This promise must be fulfilled. The 500,000 people displaced by earthquake are in miserable situation. Floods and landslides in various districts have added to their woes. They are in urgent need of government assistance to rebuild their houses. Let us begin the work.
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