The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) is preparing a recovery framework on post-earthquake reconstruction in line with the Post Disaster Needs Assessment aimed at completing reconstruction works in a planned way.

On Tuesday, authority officials consulted with donors supporting Nepal’s post-quake reconstruction. 

“Based on PDNA, the authority needs to formulate a work plan about reconstruction projects, implementation timeframe and money and involvement of partners. And we will complete this work within 2-3 weeks,” said NRA Spokesperson Suresh Adhikari.

The framework will include detailed work plan and amount allocated for reconstruction projects. The NRA plans to consult with line ministries and lawmakers elected from the quake-affected districts before taking a final decision. 

Representatives from World Bank, United Nations Development Program, Asian Development Bank, Unicef and Danida, among others, were present in the meeting on Tuesday. Although the international donors have pledged $4.4 million for the post-earthquake reconstruction projects, the authority has yet to prepare a detailed action plan for the purpose. 

Spokesperson Adhikari said housing reconstruction projects, which are scheduled to begin within a week from Singati of Dolakha, would not be affected even if the recovery framework formulation process continues. “The framework will include larger reconstruction projects and use of resources. We don’t want to delay housing reconstruction,” said Adhikari. 

Almost 11 months have passed since the devastating quake hit the country, killing nearly 9,000 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of buildings across the country, but reconstruction has yet to start at the local level. Quake victims awaiting the government aid and technical support to make their houses earthquake-resilient are criticising the NRA for delaying the reconstruction process in villages. 

The NRA, central body responsible for post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation, however says the reconstruction was delayed owing lack of exact details on the damages and bureaucratic hurdles.