Kathmandu, Sept. 11: Rebuilding infrastructure and other assets destroyed by the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood will cost an estimated Rs 723.315 billion, according to a government assessment.
The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), prepared jointly by the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), estimates that nearly three quarters of the recovery budget will be needed for infrastructure.
The infrastructure sector alone requires Rs 473.57 billion, making it the largest component of the recovery plan, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The energy sector suffered the heaviest losses. Thirteen hydropower projects with a combined generation capacity of 759 MW and five solar plants with a total capacity of 24 MW were affected by the disaster. Restoring the energy and electricity grid systems is expected to cost Rs 390.62 billion.
Transport infrastructure also suffered extensive damage. The floods damaged 69 kilometres of roads and swept away 33 motorable bridges, while four others suffered partial damage. Of the 64 suspension bridges in the affected areas, 53 were damaged. The government estimates Rs 73.34 billion will be needed to restore transport infrastructure.
The disaster also caused widespread damage to homes, public facilities and cultural sites across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.
The RDNA recorded damage to 7,570 private houses, 48 public buildings, 18 schools, seven health facilities and 30 cultural heritage sites. Recovery in the social sector is estimated to require Rs 103.55 billion.
Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot reported the highest number of damaged houses among the 15 local units affected across the five districts, with 3,026 homes affected.
The flood also disrupted economic activity and agriculture. Around 1,806 hectares of crops were damaged, while 17 bank branches and 4,800 business establishments were affected. The productive sector, covering agriculture, trade, businesses and banking, will require an estimated Rs 50.77 billion for recovery.
The government has also set aside substantial funds for reducing future disaster risks and managing rivers. The RDNA estimates that Rs 94.75 billion will be needed for disaster risk reduction and river management. A further Rs 515.4 million has been estimated for clearing mud and debris.
The government has divided the reconstruction programme into short- and long-term phases. It estimates that Rs 8.73 billion will be needed during the first six months for immediate relief and early reconstruction. Long term reconstruction is expected to require another Rs 714.58 billion.
The RDNA provides an initial estimate of the financial requirements, while the government is carrying out a more detailed Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).
The PDNA is expected to provide a fuller assessment of the damage and losses and determine the resources needed for complete recovery and reconstruction after the Bhotekoshi disaster.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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