The European Union (EU) and Transparency International Nepal (TI Nepal) on Thursday launched a support programme to foster integrity in the post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

Rensje Teerink, head of the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, and Bharat Bahadur Thapa, president of TI Nepal, signed the project documents on behalf of their organisations, according to a statement by the EU.

The one million Euro project will run for a period of five years to complement the rebuilding campaign with various accountability and transparency activities, said the statement, adding that this grant is part of a broader package of 105 million Euro that the EU will provide to the government for reconstruction efforts.

The devastating earthquakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12 last year have taken a heavy toll on lives and caused a loss of billions of rupees as houses, public buildings, businesses and infrastructure were damaged.

“Large scale reconstruction is now, one year after disaster, going to roll out across affected areas,” said the statement. At the signing ceremony, both parties reiterated importance of promoting integrity in the context of post-earthquake reconstruction.

“Building Back Better Nepal is an opportunity to foster accountability and social cohesion in the country,” said Ambassador Teerink during the signing event.  “We need to reach out in particular to the most vulnerable. With this action, launched today on the first anniversary of the second big quake, we underline the pivotal importance of the Civil Society in the process.”

TI Nepal President Thapa said disaster situations often exacerbate corruption; hence a vigilant approach from civil society is crucial. According to the EU, the project will work at three key levels in the earthquake reconstruction process—policy level, implementation level and post-implementation level.

“Actions will focus on building integrity through accountability and transparency measures targeting government’s reconstruction plans, educational environment, public procurement, social accountability, media campaigns, financial reports, help desks as well as construction and grievance redressal,” the EU statement added.