Monitoring report of MoFALD’s Relief support at Ward 16, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

 

Ministry of Federal affairs and Local Development released 452 million emergency funds as immediate relief support to affected 12 districts and 38 Municipalities. In order to stock take the utilization of funds, MoFALD visited Ward Number 16 at Kathmandu Metropolitan City on 2^nd May 2015. As per the Relief Support Management Guideline (RSMG), the Ward was entitled to receive NPR. 2, 00,000 to be utilized in managing food, medicines, toilets, and maintain health and hygiene situation.

It is noted that although the visit was held on Saturday, the ward officer was found to be active in coordinating responsibilities. Information was updated from Mr. Sarbagya Raj Paudel, Assistant Office Secretary and Laxmi Ratna Tuladhar, Chairperson of Ward Citizen Forum (WCF) who were in the field to assess impact of the Earthquake.

A Relief Management Committee (RMC) had already been established under the Chairpersonship of Ward Administrative Officer as per the guideline. A relief package worth NPR 1, 80,000 had already been to the victims.  Of the total amount, NPR. 20,000 were spent in the purchase of diesel by nearby Police Office and to mobilize mobile-water-tank at the door steps of the victims. NPR. 20,000 was spent in purchasing lime, phenol, and Jeevanjal. NPR 1, 40, 000 was utilized to purchase rice, lentil and salt for 800 people of 172 households in Balaju, Boratar, Balaju Park and Sorkhakhutte area. People in these areas had lost their houses and have no money.  The food distribution scheme was: rice 2Kg/person, lentil 0.5 kg/person and a packet salt/family.

It was noted by the assistant officer secretary that although the amount received from MoFALD was very small, it was instrumental to coordinate other supports such as Red Cross, private sectors and civil society organizations. The WCF chairperson mentioned that the support was vital in building confidence of people towards LBs and government response.

In conclusion, the relief support from MoFALD has been received at the ward and execution of the fund in distribution of relief support has already started. The fund was utilized in providing immediate needs of the victims, such as food and first aid. It was also observed that more support is expected by the LBs from central government.  It was mentioned that further support should be based on the impact of the earthquake and proportion of peopled affected. Moreover, assistance should also be categorized based on needs of the affected population.

Report prepared by Mr.Ek Raj Sigdel, Environmental Specialists, LGCDP II