Donation
The program addressed the issues of rural communities and intends to support building community resilience in collaboration with and under the leadership of Rural Municipalities which help contribute to the process of building resilient Nepal.
Key Activities:
- Establish System of Building Permit in Municipalities
- People’s participation in discussion regarding National Risk Reduction Strategies
- Capacity Enhancement of Masons
- Capacity Enhancement of Engineers
- Capacity Enhancement of people on Emergency Response
- Capacity Enhancement of people on DRR and safer construction
- Awareness materials (print) on safer construction published
- Awareness materials (audio) on safer construction produced/broadcast
- Established Building Permit Systems and promoted safer construction in 7 Rural Municipalities.
- Developed disaster-resilient communities with risk assessments, preparedness, and emergency response systems.
- Strengthening local capacity through training, awareness programs, and policy/guideline support.
Key Achievement:
- Building Permit Systems institutionalized in 7 Rural Municipalities and endorsed nationally.
- 3 communities (Malu Khola, Thigni, Mohanpur) developed as model disaster-resilient villages.
- Over 4,500 people (masons, engineers, leaders, volunteers, house owners) trained and sensitized on safer construction and disaster preparedness.
Challenges
- Frequent change of elected leaders affecting continuity.
- Disruption of planned activities due to COVID-19.
- Mismatch between needs and demands – system/software/policies are needed, but stakeholders demand physical works.
- Limited clarity and engagement at the Provincial government level.
- Delays in institutionalization of policy documents because of priority on COVID-19 response.
- Coordination challenges with the Technical Committee at MoFAGA.
Lessons Learned:
- Building construction must consider NBC, planning byelaws, and social aspects—not just technical issues.
- Retrofitting strategies are needed for vulnerable buildings.
- A long-term perspective and consistent effort are required to change mindsets for safer construction.
- Wider stakeholder engagement is key: masons, engineers, house-owners, municipalities, insurers, and banks.
- Strong coordination with government, NDRRMA, and other organizations is essential.
- Active acceptance and involvement of municipal staff is necessary.
- Training: refresher and standardized courses for masons, engineers, and house-owners should be developed and delivered.
- Guidelines/manuals on material quality and construction standards must be created and disseminated.
- Municipalities should link with local organizations, academia, and professional groups for sustainability.
- Sensitization: media, festivals, and elected representatives can help spread awareness and mobilize local resources.
- Virtual and adaptive training mechanisms should be prepared for use during adverse situations.