We write this our last post, before returning to UK in
June, to mark the anniversary of the earthquake of April 25th. Firstly, please watch this moving brief video
of the situation people like Ram Maya faced in Northern Dhading and the way
that UMN with their local partner HIMS was able to respond initially.
http://www.umn.org.np/videos/586 'Ram Maya's story'
http://www.umn.org.np/videos/586 'Ram Maya's story'
Kanchi Maya lost her home and two of her family - Ree, Northern Dhading
“How many houses have you built?” – the
question that understandably people most ask as they enquire about UMN’s
Disaster Response Program (DDRP) in Dhading. My heart is heavy to report that, even one
year on, at the first anniversary of the earthquake, still UMN, like other
INGOs, is still waiting to obtain the necessary government permissions, and grants to each affected household, to
support the house rebuilding (for us this means the 1,100 poorest
households). The continuing disarray and delay at central
government level means, according to them, that the house rebuilding programme,
in all affected districts, is now planned to take up to 5 years. It is
distressing for those of us working directly with local people that they will
be having to manage in temporary shelters for more winters to come.
In spite of these unacceptable delays, a
number of desperate people, especially in the high Himal, have started rebuilding
houses themselves believing that the promised government grants will never
reach them. Though these people are known for their community spirit and the
help they give each other, it is worrying that most will have to take out loans
with very high interest to rebuild their houses, putting them in a precarious
situation for the future.
Family rebuilding their own house - Ree
DDRP is pressing ahead as much as possible and we have now trained 500 masons in earthquake
resistant building techniques. They are already supporting those who have started building houses even without the government grants. The masons are also assisting with
building schools, bridges and micro hydro repairs.
Since
I arrived in July 2015 we have had to write and rewrite programme plans to
reflect ever changing government policies and systems for managing and authorizing
building design and finance for houses and schools, hire 35 new staff, sign
partner agreements, negotiate with government and donors and build up what is
now a strong, committed DDRP team. Each week has presented numerous hurdles and
challenges but incredibly the project team, constantly negotiating at every
level, has been able to press forward with much of the ‘build back’ work
despite the difficulties, including the building of 59 schools.
Damaged school and temporary learning centre at the back, built by DDRP
Work is also progressing well for 18 km of trail
repairs, 45 community drinking water systems (where water sources have been
damaged) and many agricultural inputs (animals, livestock sheds, tools, seeds). So far 7,400 people have benefitted from
distribution of goats/poultry, seeds, mini tillers, hulling machines,
blacksmith tools, etc and many trainings for new skills. Local farmers are
being helped to strengthen linkages between themselves, the growers, and dealers
which will help them to obtain better prices when marketing their products such
as vegetables and goats.
Trail repairs- before and after
Distribution of goats in Lapa and Ree, North Dhading
Phul Maya, Ree
485 people have received trauma healing counseling and school teachers have been trained in helping students cope with mental health issues related to the effects of the earthquake on their lives.
Phul Maya, Ree
It has been a humbling experience working
to assist families who have lost everything, even family members. In spite of
their devastation and loss, they show such a positive attitude and resilience
in starting to rebuild their lives.
As we come to the end of ‘our year in
Nepal’ I (Finlay) want to say that what an honour and privilege it has been to
work in DDRP with Shiva, (the DDRP Team Leader), Jaap (previous manager) and
the whole staff team in assisting the poorest people of Dhading to start to rebuild
their communities and their livelihoods. Thank you to the Methodist Church in
Britain for immediately responding to UMN’s request and supporting us to
contribute to the vital work in Nepal this year.
For further information and updates: www.umn.org.np
Rachel: Thank you so much to Asha Nepal, Rescue Network Nepal and Nepal
Indigenous Disabled Association for your warm welcome and for allowing me to make a small contribution in support of your excellent work. I have so much respect and
admiration for the different ways in which you advocate and work for the
safety, well-being and voice of the most marginalized people in Nepal.
rescuenetworknepal.com
nidanepal.org.np
