Nepal to establish Rs 200 billion fund for reconstruction

Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Sunday said his government is planning to establish a Rs 200 billion fund for reconstruction work after two deadly quakes and thanked neighbouring countries including India for their help in the aftermath of the tragedy.

He said nearly 9,000 people have lost their life and more than 18,000 were injured in the quakes on April 25 and May 12.

58 foreigners were killed and 112 have gone missing in the disaster. 500,000 houses were completely damaged and 300,000 were partially damaged in the earthquakes.

More than 1,000 government office buildings were completely damaged and 2,000 others were partially damaged, Koirala said addressing his first press meet after the disaster.

Those damaged government buildings include Prime Minister's office, Rastrapati Bhawan, various ministries, National Planning Commission and Central Bank.

The Prime Minister said government is planning to establish a fund of Rs 200 billion with a seed money of Rs 20 billion.

He appealed to various donors to provide Rs 180 billion in the fund for carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction works.

He called for unity among all political parties to dealt with the disaster. "The national disaster has united all the political parties irrespective of their political differences," he said, adding "We need to work together for reconstruction and constitution drafting."

Koirala said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first foreign leader to call him after the May 12 earthquake, India was also quick to respond for carrying out rescue works and providing relief materials, he said.

The Prime Minister thanked neighbouring India and China as well as other friendly countries for their support and help during the disaster.

Besides UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron have also pledged support for rehab and reconstruction works.

Koirala said the government will provide Rs 100,000 each family for those killed in the disaster and Rs 15,000 to each family for temporary shelter.

He also expressed sadness for those killed in the US Marine chopper mishap, including six US soldiers and two Nepal Army personnel.