Japan and UNDP continue to boost earthquake recovery and local services in Western Nepal (May 27, 2026)

Japan and UNDP continue to boost earthquake recovery and local services in Western Nepal
   

27 May, Kathmandu: The Embassy of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have handed over a newly constructed prefabricated building to Nalgad Municipality in Jajarkot district today.

This was the first of the ten buildings being constructed in Western Nepal to strengthen community infrastructure and improve service delivery as part of a broader recovery effort in response to the November 2023 Earthquake.

Supported by the Government of Japan, and in partnership with UN-Habitat and local organizations, the buildings are being constructed in Nalgad, Bheri and Barekot municipalities in Jajarkot district and Aathbiskot and Sanibheri municipalities in Rukum West district in the areas worst affected by the earthquake. These buildings are replacing damaged public facilities and will be used to deliver essential public services, including a ward office, an immunization center, and a police post amongst others.

Mr. Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan said, “I hope that this project will strengthen local and district-level governance in earthquake-affected areas to ensure the continuity of basic service delivery, support long-term reconstruction, and enhance disaster preparedness.” He also noted that the completion of the project adds to the celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Nepal. He emphasized that this initiative would further strengthen the partnership between Japan, UNDP, and Nepal.

Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted that recovery from disasters is a long-term process that goes beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure. “It requires sustained efforts to restore livelihoods, essential services, governance systems, and community facilities,” she said. Commending the leadership of the local governments in supporting recovery efforts, she emphasized continued collaboration amongst the local government, communities, and other partners to ensure the sustainability and effective use of the supported facilities.

Mr. Dambar Bahadur Rawat, Mayor of Nalgad Municipality, emphasized that the project has adopted an integrated approach addressing not only infrastructural needs but also livelihoods, psychosocial support, and local governance through strengthened emergency preparedness, response planning and capacity building efforts.

For more information, please contact:

Monica Upadhyay, Head of Communication, UNDP Nepal, monica.upadhyay@undp.org, + 977-9841343953

Embassy of Japan in Nepal, cultural-emb@km.mofa.go.jp, +977 1 4526680, facebook.com/JPNInNepal/

About LiDRE: With support from the Government of Japan, the “Livelihoods Improvement and Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the Areas Affected by the Jajarkot Earthquake (LiDRE)” project is being implemented from March 2025 to July 2026 across five local governments in Karnali Province: Nalgad Municipality, Bheri Municipality, and Barekot Rural Municipality in Jajarkot district, as well as Aathbiskot Municipality and Sanibheri Rural Municipality in Rukum West district. Following the earthquake of 3 November 2023, the project aims to support recovery and strengthen long-term resilience by enhancing local government capacity for service delivery, supporting reconstruction efforts, and revitalizing livelihoods in the affected communities.