KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) to develop a timetable and carry out the reconstruction of heritage sites, public schools as well as relocation of settlements at risk of landslides in the earthquake-hit districts.
During a meeting of the steering committee of the NRA, Prime Minister Dahal in his capacity also as the chairman of the steering committee, asked NRA Chief Executive Officer Sushil Gyewali to come up with a time-bound plan and complete the tasks of reconstruction of heritage sites, public buildings and relocation of the risky settlements. He also directed the NRA to immediately begin damage assessment survey in the 17 earthquake districts and begin grant distribution to the victims.
He also laid stressed on monitoring the activities of I/NGOs involved in reconstruction and rehabilitation.
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At the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal discussed with top officials of the NRA, Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and Ministry of Finance on how civil servants and others deployed in the reconstruction work can be mobilized effectively. Following the discussion, the prime minister asked the NRA to come up with a detailed manpower mobilization plan in the next meeting, NRA officials informed.
Chief Secretary Som Lal Subedi also asked the Ministry of Finance to devise a detailed plan on providing additional incentives and other facilities for encouraging civil servants to work even during public holidays and expediting the overall tasks of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Similarly, CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal, who is the vice-chairman of the steering committee, asked the NRA to carry out the reconstruction tasks on a war footing by using additional resources if required.
CEO of NRA Gyewali assured the prime minister that the authority will immediately formulate a time-bound schedule and expedite the overall reconstruction tasks as per the schedule. He had said that the delay in releasing the funds by the Ministry of Finance and lack of manpower have slowed down the reconstruction work.
Gyewali asked the government to ensure timely release of the budget required by the NRA and come up with attractive incentives and facilities to encourage civil servants deployed in the overall tasks of reconstruction and rehabilitation, stated a press statement issued by the NRA following the meeting.
