Gyawali claims NRA achieved remarkable progress

Kathmandu, Jan. 8: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyawali Sunday claimed that the country had achieved remarkable progress in the reconstruction drive despite continuous non-cooperation from the government and concerned ministries.

In a letter of clarification to the government which he furnished to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) Sunday, the NRA chief stated that the government, Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of General Administration (MoGA) did not fulfill their duties, which delayed the reconstruction works.

Gyawali had submitted his second clarification Sunday afternoon.

He had submitted the first round of clarification on 4^th January in response to the questions raised by the government about his inability to mobilise the required staff for the post-quake reconstruction, implement the instructions of the NRA Steering Committee, poor coordination with the government agencies and delay in the distribution of the house reconstruction grant.

Earlier, the government had sought clarification from the NRA chief as per the Cabinet decision of 29^th December.

Amidst rumours that the chief of the reconstruction body would be sacked by the government, the Cabinet had decided to seek a second clarification from Gyawali within 24 hours.

In his clarification tendered to the government today, he said, "The reconstruction of the quake damaged structures is not the responsibility of the NRA and its chief only. All the agencies and concerned authorities and stakeholders as mentioned in the National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Policy 2016, as well as the agencies directed by the NRA Steering Committee should also work in close collaboration with the Authority. If such collaboration and cooperation materialise, the set target will be achieved within the stipulated time."

A meeting of the NRA Steering Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, on 26^th October, had directed the MoGA to provide the required staff to the NRA within 15 days, but the ministry is yet to comply with the decision.

"Similarly, the Steering Committee meeting on 26^th October and 20^th November had asked the MoF to implement the Reconstruction Fund. But, the ministry has not provided the required budget for the Fund yet," read the letter submitted to the OPMCM.

The CEO has claimed that there had been remarkable progress towards grant distribution, geological study of the quake-damaged settlements, construction of temporary community shelters, and inclusion of national and international Non-Government Organisations.