UNDP launches $2.68 million urban preparedness project

Kathmandu, Sept. 23

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal, together with the Government of Nepal, UNICEF and UN Women, launched a new 2-year, US$ 2.68 million (Euro 2.56 million) 'Super II: Strengthening Urban Preparedness and Earthquake Response in Western Region of Nepal' project, funded by the European Union (EU).

The UNDP-coordinated project will build the resilience of over 500,000 people - including those from the marginalised communities, on earthquake preparedness and urban risks in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces of Nepal, as well as the three targeted municipalities, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolis, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis, and Birendranagar Municipality.

“It is a priority for the European Union to continue being a part of the disaster preparedness and response activities in the western region of Nepal alongside UNDP, UNICEF and UNWOMEN,” said Veronique Lorenzo, EU Ambassador to Nepal.

“These activities will bring together communities and the authorities and help strengthen their capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters,” she said.

Building on the past urban preparedness and earthquake response work implemented under the EU-supported SUPER-I (2021-24) initiative and drawing lessons from the earthquakes in Jajarkot and Bajhang districts, Super-II aims to strengthen provincial and municipal systems and reinforce their linkages with the federal disaster risk reduction and management system, thus contributing to a reduced risk at the community level, the UNDP informed in a statement.

“As we go forward, and in the true spirit of leaving no one behind, we are committed to include the most at-risk and marginalized populations at the centre of urban/disaster preparedness interventions,” said Kyoko Yokosuka, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nepal.

In close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, provincial government and municipalities, the UNDP-led consortium project will engage parliamentarians, various associations of municipalities, government training institutions, NGOs/CBOs, media and the private sector, read the statement.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 September 2024.