President Paudel reminds govt to speed up reconstruction, rehabilitation

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has drawn the government’s attention to ramp up rehabilitation and reconstruction drives in the wake of devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi flash flood.

The management of flood-hit people, restoration of transport system and rehabilitation should be intensified, the President said, suggesting the government that it received supports from international community for building big infrastructures if these are beyond national capacity.

Nepal should raise its voice in the international forums in a way to secure compensation to the loss and damage caused by climate change, President Paudel underlined. He was underscoring these issues by calling the ministers at his residence on Wednesday.

In separate meetings, Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Sunil Lamsal, were asked by the Head of state to speed up proper management of people staying in relief camps and restoration of roads.

Short-term, mid-term and long-term plans can be prepared for reconstruction of damaged infrastructures. Immediate measures should be in place to ease the life of those facing hardship after the August 26 disaster.

Together with Minister Khanal in the meeting were House of Representatives member Arjun Narsing KC and Chief of Army Staffs, Ashok Raj Sigdel. The Ministers informed President Paudel that works were going on round the clock to manage capsule homes for the flood-displaced people and arrange temporary settlements.

Efforts are on to restore road transport before Dashain festival, they added. The friendly countries were requested for support to construct long bailey bridges and manage alternative roads.

Necessary materials were being received for the reconstruction works, the Ministers apprised the President.

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