National Reconstruction Authority Chief Executive Govinda Raj Pokharel has called for sustainable and strong approach of rehabilitation. 

Addressing the inaugural session of the third World Reconstruction Conference (WRC3) in Brussels on ‘Early lessons from post-earthquake recovery in Nepal’ on Tuesday, Pokharel said stressed the need of a national disaster management agency for better preparation, rescue and recovery during an unforeseen event, the NRA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The three-day conference, co-organised by the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, aims to endorse the sturdy infrastructure reconstruction during post-crisis recovery period. 

Highlighting the strengths and limitations of the post-earthquake rescue and recovery programme in the last two years, Pokharel emphasised the need of better collaboration and coordination among the vibrant civil society, development partner organizations, government bodies, non-governmental and international organisations and the private sector during planning, rescue and recovery activities.

He also informed the international community that the NRA is committed to supporting the people at most risk: poor, disabled, single women, senior citizens, Dalits. Stating that the reconstruction in Nepal further needs Rs300 billion in six different sectors, he asked the development partner institution to continue support Nepal in the reconstruction project.

“Lately, more attention is given towards the construction of private housing. Talks and initiatives are being initiated to create job opportunities for the poor and deprived women who are running the households,” he said.