Dr. Hom Gartaula
Postdoctoral Researcher, International Development Studies
program
Menno Simons College, Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Nepal, which has been struggling with the political turmoil and
economic stagnation for decades, was hit by a deadly 7.3 Richter scale
earthquake, affecting more than half of the country’s landmass. In addition to
human casualties and injuries, the earthquake destroyed more than half million
houses, 8000 schools and ruined almost of the physical infrastructure in the
country. The earthquake has triggered psychological distress to the point that children
are afraid to go to school and migrant workers are yet to return their
workplaces. The psychosocial trauma that people are undergoing may leave the
country with long-time effects in terms of economic productivity and
sociocultural normalcy. It is important to provide post-traumatic counselling
to survivors and restore their hope for their lives. In a country with only 122
mental health experts, it will be herculean challenge to restore the wellbeing
of 26 million people.
The Government of Nepal organized an International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction (ICNR) in Kathmandu on June 25, 2015 in order to better organize relief efforts and streamline funds for rebuilding. One of the main objectives of this conference was to seek technical and financial support for reconstruction and rally the support and solidarity of all friends and partners for a resilient recovery of Nepal and its citizens. Over 250 international representatives participated in the conference, including major bilateral and multilateral agencies such as the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank.
The government’s Post Disaster Needs Assessment Report 2015 estimated about NPR 670 billion (US$ 6.7 billion) will be needed to complete post-earthquake reconstruction. While the government had expected to receive only about 40% of the estimated cost, the international community pledged almost NPR 440 billion (US$ 4.4 billion). India alone has offered NPR 100 billion and China NPR 77 billion. Most of these funds are under soft loan or grants. The international community is showing tremendous support and a willingness to help Nepal and overcome this crisis. In fact, the leaders of Nepal can take this as an opportunity to rebuild the country and realize the long-time slogan of ‘New Nepal’ that has been a dream for generations. In order to realize this dream, the leaders of Nepal should set aside their political differences and work together for the public good. The formation of the independent and autonomous Authority for Reconstruction of Structures Damaged by Earthquake chaired by the current Prime Minister is first positive step in the right direction.
Key to the reconstruction process is to rebuild damaged infrastructure, which at this point has been assured. Nepal should, however, consider ‘beyond the funding’ management issues. Indeed, funding has never been a significant problem for Nepal. Both the international community and over the more than a million non-resident Nepali (NRN) are reliable and generous in their support. The next step now is how to effectively manage those funds available for reconstruction so that every dollar of the raised amount is spent for the genuine cause.
However, the relationships between Nepalese citizens and its politico-bureaucratic environment are not always easy, which raises doubts about whether the reconstruction process will go smoothly and achieve desired results. Nepalese political leaders and bureaucrats are known for nepotism, favouritism, corruption and misconduct. The media is rife with stories about corruption and the vested interests of ministers, other influential political leaders, and the staff associated with fund mobilization, and project execution. This not only happens in their regular activities, but also in special cases such as earthquake or flooding and other disasters. It is disappointing to say that many of them take these disasters as an opportunity to make money. For example, we have heard about hiding donated tents, tarps, bags of rice and other grains, etc. and selling them in the market. One of such cases resulted into the resignation of one of the assistants to a minister in the process of distributing relief materials recently.
Nevertheless, there is no alternative to a country’s government to rebuild a nation. It is the government that needs to be strengthened and held responsible and accountable for the process. NGOs, local or international, do not have a full mandate or resources to work in the whole country. They often work in accessible areas and serve to particular interest groups, based on profession, gender, economic class or religion. They often compete to provide handouts that are visible and result into measurable impacts. We have to learn from Haiti where the government failed to provide strong leadership and thus NGOs led the rebuilding process. The result is that even after five years of earthquake millions of people still live in the tents despite over 50 billion US dollars spent under Overseas Development Assistance provided by the international community.
Another important aspect is the human resources required for the recovery process. The government should make a human resource plan for short-term (repairing damage) and long-term development initiatives in the country. Every day over 2000 youths depart from Tribhuvan International Airport to look for employment opportunities abroad. Many of them work in construction sector in the Gulf and western countries. Could this workforce be enticed to stay in Nepal, even if it meant working for a lower wage? Are those hands used to build FIFA stadium in Qatar ready to build their own stadiums and roads back home? How would those Gorkhas and NRNs be best involved in building the land they still call home?
This is the right time to make a plan and attract this important labour force to work for the country and contribute to the nation’s rebuilding process. A simple example: rather than providing direct cash support, in grant or loan form, to those victims whose houses are destroyed, these projects can be contracted through local builders and craft-persons. This not only helps reduce under- or misuse of funds, but also creates employment opportunities for those skilled workers. It helps revitalize the local economy. For this, the government should think about promoting local artisans and make building materials locally. As our leaders are always influenced by Indian politics, why can’t they learn from the ‘Made in India’ movement that aims to foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property and build the best manufacturing infrastructure in the country? The government can promote a ‘Made in Nepal’ initiative and open up an avenue to strengthen Nepali craftsmanship so that we do not have to rely on the materials that are dumped by international suppliers, which are not always reliable and trustworthy, as evident from the quality of rice supplied by the World Food Programme recently. Let us create momentum for country’s long-term growth and sustainable development. This is indeed an opportunity to build the nation and, if we do it right, a fresh start for Nepal.
