The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) has estimated that over Rs 100 billion will be required to rebuild disaster-damaged infrastructure across Nepal. The NDRRMA, during the 16th meeting of the National Disaster Council held on Sunday, projected Rs 101.12 billion as the total cost for post-disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation. The council approved a comprehensive plan to guide the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts during the meeting.
Following the plan’s approval, agreements with beneficiaries for commencing the reconstruction process are set to begin on January 14, according to Dr Bhisma Kumar Bhusal, joint secretary at the NDRRMA.
Natural disasters, including the recent monsoon-induced calamities, have caused extensive damage to infrastructure nationwide. The NDRRMA reported that 120,732 infrastructure units were affected, including 381 roads and transportation structures. The reconstruction of these roads and transportation facilities is expected to cost over Rs 28 billion.
In addition to transportation, 176 public offices and buildings were damaged, necessitating over Rs 2 billion for rebuilding. Infrastructure in the electricity sector will require Rs 2.12 billion to for restoration. The reconstruction of irrigation systems and alternative centers is projected to cost Rs 17 billion. Meanwhile, 115,558 personal residences were destroyed, with estimated rebuilding costs exceeding Rs 40 billion.
Educational institutions were also severely impacted, with 1,562 schools requiring more than Rs 5 billion for reconstruction. In the health sector, 90 facilities need over Rs 700 million to be rebuilt. Furthermore, 813 projects related to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene will require over Rs 6 billion for reconstruction. Damage to 33 archaeological heritage sites will cost more than Rs 6 billion for retrofitting and rebuilding.
The NDRRMA highlighted that monsoon-induced disasters alone caused infrastructure damages worth over Rs 46 billion in 2024. While the monsoon-induced disasters resulted in the destruction of 19,771 houses, recent earthquakes in western Nepal destroyed 95,787 homes.
The government plans to allocate the necessary budget within three years and complete the reconstruction of all affected infrastructure within the same period.
The meeting urged relevant ministries, provincial authorities, and local governments to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to mobilize resources for implementing the comprehensive reconstruction plan.
Dr Bhusal stressed the need for effective coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to address the financial challenges associated with the reconstruction process. He noted that while efforts are underway to arrange funding domestically, the Ministry of Finance will seek financial assistance from donor agencies if required.
Dr Dijan Bhatarai, spokesperson for the NDRRMA, stated that a study has been conducted on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Thame village of Solukhumbu district, which suffered extensive damage from a massive flood during the monsoon. -- RSS
