Kathmandu: The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) handed over a newly constructed prefabricated building to Nalgad Municipality on May 27. This marked a key milestone in ongoing recovery efforts following the November 2023 earthquake in western Nepal.
The building is the first among ten facilities being constructed under the project “Livelihoods Improvement and Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the Areas Affected by the Jajarkot Earthquake.” The initiative aims to strengthen community infrastructure and improve public service delivery in earthquake-affected areas.
Supported by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with UN-Habitat and local organizations, the project covers municipalities in Jajarkot District and Rukum West District, including Nalgad, Bheri, Barekot, Aathbiskot and Sanibheri — areas severely impacted by the earthquake.
According to project officials, the prefabricated structures are replacing damaged public facilities and will be used for essential services such as ward offices, immunization centres and police posts.
Addressing the handover ceremony, Yasuharu Shinto said the project would help strengthen local and district-level governance in quake-affected communities by ensuring continuity of public services, supporting long-term reconstruction and enhancing disaster preparedness.
He also noted that the initiative forms part of celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, adding that the project would further deepen bilateral ties and friendship between the people of the two countries.
