Promoting Resilient and Sustainable Urban Growth by Augmenting DRR Capacity of Local Authorities Through Active Private Sector Involvement PRAGATINewsletter | March 2018

Engaging Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction

Enhancing capacities Reviving ponds to strengthen to build back better fi re preparedness “Almost all the houses I built collapsed in What seems to be a gutter fl owing across the the last earthquake. The house owners city of Shankhu was once most celebrated still scolds me whenever they meet me. water canal that fl owed along the door step It was really a bad experience,” Nawaraj of nearly 1000 household located in 8 Toles Lamichhane, a mason. (small villages) of the settlement. While few Page 2-3 artistic stone spouts are taking their last breath to remind this generation what water management system of Sankhu, the PRAGATI project has joined hands with the elected bodies to restore some of the ponds in the area, for fi re preparedness and tourism.

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Home stays struggling to revive it’s lost ‘Beauty’ Still a long way to go It was the good alternative source of income The base line survey of PRAGATI project for the families before earthquake. The project concluded that the level of preparedness for The average yearly income of the homestay disaster risk management at the household, was from Rs. 150, 000 to 200,000 The 2015 community, local government institutions, and Earthquake totally damaged all home stays private entities is still weak and that it needed forcing them to shut down for months. more intervention.

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1 Masons Trained The PRAGATI project conducted mason training on Earthquake Resistant Building Construction Techniques for urban masons of Changunarayan and Sankharapur Municipality. The training comprised of 23 local masons among whom 9 were women in Changunarayan and 20 masons (six women) in Sankharapur Municipality. It was based on the Department of Urban Development & Building Construction (DUDBC)’s seven-day curriculum and a day-long interlock block technology as an alternative building technique. The training helped enhance the capacity of these masons to implement earthquake resistant technology in their upcoming construction works.

Specifi c objective of the training was to create awareness about seismic hazards on structural system among the participants and provide basic knowledge and skills on earthquake safe building construction procedures to masons. The purpose of the training was to enhance the knowledge

ISHWAR RAUNIYAR PRATAP MAHARJAN and skills of existing skilled workforce involved in building construction business like masons, carpenter, steel fi xer/ bar benders and local petty contractors who work as head mason and overall Enhancing capacity to in-charge for house construction. There were good participation of female masons as well. build back better perception that women cannot partake in the is likely to soar, hence this training will help The April 2015 earthquake, on a positive side, provided opportunities for women to works other than their kitchen. We can do me get more jobs,” says Nawaraj. He shared lead the post-quake reconstruction works and taught more resilient masonry skills everything given the support of our family that some house owners now demand to see to those following traditional methods previously. This will help build better members to let us go out to work,” she added. training certifi cates to verify the qualifi cations Nepal and prepare for future mega disasters. She urges other women to come forward and of the masons. participate in rebuilding Nepal. The Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), Ishwar Rauniyar Communication Officer The earthquake has been an eye-opener for conducted immediately after the earthquake, many masons who had followed traditional estimated that the reconstruction of almost modes of building houses in the past. 700,000 houses, destroyed either fully or It’s a sunny afternoon. On the foothills of Tulasha Maya Suwal, who hails from ward partially in the 2015 April earthquake, would Nagarkot in Bhaktapur district, a group of number 9 of Changunarayan Municipality lost “Almost all the houses I built collapsed in the require at least 50,000 ‘trained’ masons. 23 youths are following their instructors on her house during the earthquake. She told last earthquake,” shares Nawaraj Lamichhane, construction of an earthquake resilient building. that her brothers advised her to take part in one of the participants in the training. “The The European Commission Humanitarian The instructors ask them to follow every step construction activities immediately after the house owners still chide me whenever they Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) and techniques taught during the theory earthquake as there was a human resource meet me.It was a really bad experience,” he funded PRAGATI project provided training session. A number of the participants are crunch. added. to 23 masons comprising nine women from preparing a concrete mixture of sand, pebbles Changunarayan Municipality. The project and cement, whereas some are fetching water “Since then I am helping my brothers as a “I have realised there was something wrong believes that they will play pivotal role in from the tap nearby and the rest are busy labourer to construct buildings,” she says. with my building method. We did not care building back their communities. Similar reshaping iron rods to fi t in the structure. “Also, it helps me get rid of the monotony about using bracings while building houses – training will also be conducted in Sankharapur caused by staying idle at home. ” which, I now realise, is one of the main factors Municipality. Participants were assessed and The construction site looks a bit messy with in strongly propping the house up.” fi nalised by the municipality and local ward the deposits of construction materials (sand, She was spotted by the local government offi ce. The project coordinated with these pebbles, cement). The scenic beauty of authority – the ward offi ce – to take part in this He shares that masons like him didn’t follow offi ces to have the fi nal list of the participants. Nagarkot seems to encourage trainees to learn training. “I was contacted by a local offi cial and the techniques of building earthquake resilient new things despite chilling wind. was offered this training,” she says. “I was lucky houses because of ignorance and hurry to Over the time, the trainees will be skilled to come here as I got to learn new lessons” complete the construction. Moreover, house masons. This will also encourage them to work A young woman with a helmet is busy helping Tulashi is now confi dent that she can supervise owners preferred the existing modes fearing in their communities and earn better wages. measure the iron rod as they prepare to build the building construction using the techniques additional expenses. Tulashi and Nawarj are As a result, they will not be compelled to opt a demo wall. Her enthusiasm to learn building learnt from the training. confi dent that the new training will enable for foreign employment. If they plan to do techniques challenges the notion that women them to construct earthquake-resilient so, the training certifi cate will help them get should not take a lead. “ I also joined in order to change the buildings. “The demand of trained masons better opportunities abroad.

2 3 such as kalash pokhari represents “kalash” make this a successful project. (good omen) while entering the city through “bhau dhokha” (a gate specifi ed for entry of Similarly, on the other side of the town, Ward 6 new brides in the settlement). The lotus from has taken a lead to conserve and renovate the the “pala pukhu” is offered to Bajrayogini “Kalash Pukhu”. “Fire preparedness is defi nitely temple- one of the main goddess for the city. in mind. It will hold more than 600,000 liter of A pond is an important part of the Gatha water even if it is half fi lled which is important Mangal festival. Besides cultural value, these during fi re outbreak,” shares Shrestha. There water resources held importance from disaster is a hospital, police station and two schools

ROJAN SHRESTHA response perspective- particularly fi re. The nearby along with a dense settlement which settlement is compact and dense; possibility of can benefi t from it. spreading fi re is very high. Hence, having the Reviving Ponds to Strengthen sources of water close was the most practical Sustainability way to put off accidental fi re. Construction of the ponds has to be Fire Preparedness complemented by its maintenance and Hazard identifi cation process has reckoned sustainability. For the purpose, its utility What seems to be a gutter fl owing across the city of Shankhu was once most accesible fi re as a major hazard after earthquake in the has to be defi ned. “Therefore we have water canal that fl owed along the doorstep of nearly 1000 household located in 8 Toles settlement. Although the municipality is in the proposed renovation of the pond in a way (small villages) of the settlement. Few artistic stone spouts are gaping dry to remind this process of managing fi re brigade, it is diffi cult that it becomes attraction to domestic and generation of the source of the water in Sankhu in the past. The PRAGATI project has joined for them to navigate through the narrow international tourist,” says Shrestha. In that hands with the elected bodies to restore some of the ponds in the area, lanes. Hence, not having water resource in way the community will be motivated to mainly for extinguishing accidental fi re and to promote tourism. the settlement poses higher risk of damage in conserve the pond. Nevertheless, its longevity case fi re starts. depends on the maintenance of the rajkulo. The Wards have already taken lead to that PRATAP MAHARJAN Pramod Simkhada, Chief Executive offi cer “The problem is not only with availability of effect. The pond is being renovated at a Project Coordinator, NDRC of Shankharapur Municipality. The wells water in the settlement for other usage but budget of nearly Rs. 1,75,00,000 (175,000 and stone spouts were the major source of also, for the fi re brigade,” says Radha Krisha USD) within three years. The ward has already In ancient time, ponds and canal were key drinking water. Altogether 18 stone spouts Shrestha, Chairman of Ward Number 6, “Fire secured Rs. 21,00,000 (21,000 USD) budget components of water management system in (nine inside the settlement and nine outside) brigade has to come from Kathmandu and from Municipality, District Coordination the cities. There were three major components served people for different purposes. At go back to Mahankal or Salinadi (a holy river Committee and a hospital. PRAGATI project in the system (i) the rajkulo (the water canals), present only fi ve are functional. near the settlement) to refi ll water. By the is also contributing nearly Rs. 560,000 (ii) the ponds and wells (iii) stone spouts. time, the fi re is likely damage most part of the (5600 USD) for the structural integrity of The system integrated these components With the change in water supply system these settlement.. Recent examples have also shown the pond. The project is also supporting to to ensure water delivery at doorstep and wells and stone spouts, ponds and rajkulo that having water within the settlement was identify the private sector that can invest in avoid wastage. The rajkulo was meant to are gradually losing their value. Wells are pivotal in controlling fi re and reducing the renovating this pond. irrigate the agriculture land, recharge the used when there is no alternative to drinking loss. There is no alternative to managing water ponds and also for daily chores. “The ponds water or when supply falls short. The older in the settlement.” They are hopeful that they, will be able to are meant to recharge ground water and generation still values them. Though many collect the fund needed for the renovation manage micro climate. From a disaster control of the younger generation are “aware” of Ponds and wells located in the strategic of the pond. Along with this the project perspective, people managed to have water its value it is merely part of their daily life. location of each tole are crucial for the fi re will also sensitize on value of conserving in their community to put off fi re since they Owing to the unmanaged urbanisation, the preparedness. However, these need renovation resources and heritages like water system didn’t have fi re brigade back then,” says route of the rajkulo was disturbed, the “gifts” and conservation. “Pala Pukhu” (lotus pond), from overall disaster perspective not confi ned of modern society (plastic waste particularly) one of the biggest pond in the settlement was to fi re preparedness. This is one of the fi rst clogged the route while inadequate gradually being buried before earthquake of initiatives of the ward and municipality to maintenance resulted in deposit of sediments 2015 while after earthquake people dumped conserve the water system of Sankhu that narrowing down the rajkulo, a major supplier their rubbles in the pond. The pond could integrates heritage conservation and disaster of water for ponds and hence operation of the hold nearly 800,000 – 1 million liter of water, preparedness at the same time. Community entire system. which can be used in any fi re outbreak in the might perceive existence of these heritages settlement. The members of ward number 7 in different way. It cannot be claimed that These entities of water system were integrated has already started its work to bring the pond water in pond will strike fi re preparedness in with the utility and cultural values that ensured into life. And, European Commission funded everybody’s mind but important aspect is their conservation. Some ponds are symbolic PRAGATI project has already joined hands to they will have water when they want to extinguish it.

4 5 assessment showed more than 90 per cent of relief efforts such as collection of relief (goods the buildings, mostly traditional houses, were and cash) materials amounting to millions completely damaged. of Nepali rupees and contributions to the Prime Minsters Relief Fund. However, despite The project municipalities are the worst substantial contribution the role of private affected areas within Kathmandu Valley. sector has been largely undocumented. In However, there is no authentic records of every emergency in Nepal, private-sector losses incurred. Therefore, the project is assistance is crucial and has been making currently documenting the earthquake a real difference. One of such examples memories that will archive the damage and observed during the earthquake was that losses through the digital stories. buses belonging to private schools and transport companies were provided to Against this backdrop – PRAGATI Project was evacuate people from Kathmandu and in some designed to work with the private sector along other hard-hit areas. with the municipalities as they are two sides of the same coin. During the project design, various consultations were commenced with the private sector entities in both the municipalities such as hoteliers, Homestay SHAKTI GURUNG Association, Local Tourism Development Committee, representatives from construction Tapping the untapped – Private Sector materials suppliers such as interlocking cement bricks and timber, food grain on Disaster Risk Management processing factories including rice and lentil mills and a private hospital.

Cecial Adhikari This note has been prepared highlighting Consortium Manager the benefi ts of working with private sector ROJAN SHRESTHA based on the review of number of relevant Tourism Vision – 2020 has envisioned Among others, engagement with the private affecting eight million people. The death toll documents, experience and initial learning “Tourism is valued as the major contributor sector on Disaster Risk Reduction makes crossed over 8,000, injured 20,000 and a half- gained during the project implementation, to a sustainable Nepal economy, having PRAGATI Project unique. PRAGATI is an urban million homes were destroyed. Housing was consultations with the experts and the local developed as an attractive, safe, exciting and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project being the most affected sector including schools and private entrepreneurs. unique destination through conservation and implemented in Sankharapur Municipality in hospitals. There was also signifi cant impact promotion, leading to equitable distribution Kathmandu and Changunarayan Municipality to the tourism industry. This has highlighted The project aims to deepen the understanding of tourism benefi ts and greater harmony in in Bhaktapur District. Realizing the importance gaps in resilience – particularly in business of the private sector engagement on disaster society”. This vision of making it safe calls to of partnership with private sector, the continuity planning and implementing and risk reduction. The project has completed the build resilience in Nepal’s travel and tourism project is working closely with the private enforcing building policies and standards. stakeholder mapping, assessment of potential industry and provide important inputs in sector, identifying areas of collaboration investment by the private sector, undertake developing national roadmaps for safer and investment, building their disaster risk The project location, Nagarkot, in risk assessment of hotels and homestays and businesses. management capacity and preparing them for Changunarayan, is a hill-side touristic formulation of disaster risk sensitive plan for effective response. The project has facilitated destination for both non-Nepalese and homestays. Through these several activities Nepal remains at risk of earthquakes and the preparation of Disaster Risk Sensitive Nepalese as weekend gateways. It is and consultations, the project has been able to many other natural hazards. The experience Tourism Development Plan (DRSTDP) for particularly famous for sunrise views of the establish more understanding on the potential of the 2015 earthquake underlines the Changunarayan municipality. It is working with Himalayan range including the Mount Everest. avenues for the engagement with the private importance of strengthening partnerships hotels and homestays together with small and More than 60 big hotels, around 35 homestays sector on disaster risk reduction contributing between the public and private sectors to medium enterprises in both the municipalities and 150 restaurants were damaged due to to the tourism sector of the country including prepare for future emergencies by charting by providing technical support on preparation the earthquake. Another project location, underlying challenges and opportunities. stronger business continuity, worker safety, of their business continuity plans. Sankhu, in Sankharapur, is an ancient historical environmental and risk management town. It is one of the oldest settlements in It is pleasant to observe that the private measures, insurance solutions to manage risk, The 2015 earthquake in Nepal incurred Kathmandu with the abundance of houses sector was very active during the immediate and simplifying customs processes during massive damage throughout the country built of burnt and unburnt clay bricks. An response to the earthquake. They coordinated emergencies.

6 7 Private sector has role at each stages of as in confl ict or in lack of understanding hardware shops, clothing store, and general activities, including DRR in the municipality. the disaster risk management: engaging with each other. The major challenge is stores. There are many home-based This is a good example of an innovative in disaster risk reduction by protecting to create a dialogue and to establish a businesses, but unrecorded. However, they fi nancing scheme. Such schemes need further its own investment and business from constructive relationship before crises arise. could be instrumental during the time of crisis. promotion and leverage with public fi nance to potential disaster risks and being resilient A structured, detailed and well thought out scale up. it can generate employment and produce process is needed for these sectors to work Currently, damaged hotels are being (re) and supply goods and services during together. Both need to learn how to better constructed. The hoteliers point out their Disaster Risk Reduction Management emergencies. It will result in building resilience communicate with each other. own negligence as the main reason behind Committees are formed in both the of its employee, consumers and service the major damages of their infrastructure. municipalities under the leadership of seekers. similarly, they can also support as The earthquake’s devastating effects After the earthquake, many of the newly municipality offi ce. But private sector a medium to build community resilience. demonstrated the need to update, strengthen constructed hotels have mandatorily followed representation is missing in these committees. Disasters disrupt daily life including routine and enforce Nepal’s building code. It allows earthquake resilient techniques. Hoteliers in Similar committees are formed at ward levels business. Therefore, proactive measures for the construction of low-strength masonry Changhunarayan Municipality have extensively too. These committees will have active roles in are required such as prevention and risk such as unreinforced masonry with mud invested on building safeinfrastructure. They responding to disaster and also in planning, mitigation initiatives rather than reactive mortar. However, according to the PDNA, are rebuilding houses with column pillars prioritizing, funding and executing disaster approach. It is strongly suggested that the it was noted that most of the buildings which are known to have greater strength. risk reduction activities in the municipalities. private sector’s engagement during disaster categorized as fully collapsed were built of Hoteliers have been found investing in training Absence of private sector representation in response should extend beyond fundraising low-strength masonry. This necessitates that their staffs on DRR on regualar basis. Hoteliers these committees is a ‘missed opportunity’ to and providing to temporary relief. the Building Code should not only be updated interviewed shared that customers’ preference interact and engage private sector with public but also implemented and enforced more for safer place to reside during their stay and development actors to collaboratively comprehensively. is a driving factor for making additional work in minimizing disaster risks in the investment. municipalities. The project undertook mapping of the potential investment by the private sectors in Brick kilns factories have switched to Hotel Standard Guidelines 2014 of various phases of disaster risk reduction. Many innovative technology like interlocking bricks Department of Tourism requires fi rst aid box small to medium private enterprises were foreseeing potential business opportunity and fi refi ghting equipment, provision of fi re found to be active in both municipalities. The after the earthquake. This technology is resistant furniture, arrangements of elevators, enterprises that exist in both the municipalities gradually accepted by private house owners emergency exits, safety signage in different can be divided into fi ve major sectors i. for building their houses. It was noted that sites in hotels and lodges as the minimum Production sector ii. Service sector, iii. Social more than 100 houses have followed this requirements to ensure the safety of the sector, iv. Financial sector and v. other private technology and only limited people in the employees and guests. It has been noted sectors (small retailers). municipality are aware of this technology. that these safety measures are only partially The brick producers are willing to invest on compiled to by the hoteliers. PRATAP MAHARJAN The production sector mainly includes brick the promotion of the interlocking technology At present, many businesses in Nepal have kilns that is currently operating in both the in collaboration with the local government The project has made strong presence in integrated CSR and philanthropic activities municipalities. Majority of them are producing authorities. both the municipalities. Building on the into their operations. Some business houses, fi red mud bricks. Few have adopted new foundations, the priority action for project is companies and banks are in the forefront technologies such as ‘interlocking brick’. This In both the municipalities, the municipal to play the role of facilitator and lobby for the of CSR activities in the country such as technology has proven to be earthquake councils have allocated approximately USD representation of private sectors in the disaster Nepal Telecom, Chaudhary Group, Standard resilient, environment friendly and cost 50,000 of the annual budget to execute management committees, and facilitating for Chartered bank, Bhat Bhateni Markets etc. The effective too. There is growing demand of the disaster risk reduction activities. However, a platform for interaction between municipal CSR is among other potential opportunities to interlocking brick in both the municipalities it was noted that there is lack of clearity on authorities and private organizations. This will be tapped for investment on the Disaster Risk and beyond. where and how the allocated amount will be also enhance a trust between the municipal Reduction. However, during the discussions, spent on DRR. Despite the allocation of the authorities and the private sector. The project it (not I) that the regulations and compliances The Service sector includes hotel and municipal budget for DRR, plans and priority plans to identify “champions” among the towards CSR is not clear amongst the restaurants businesses, especially in activities to utilize the budget is lacking in private sectors willing to invest on DRR. The stakehlders. Changhunarayan Municipality. The Social both the municipalities. outcomes of the VCA will provide road map sector includes private hospital and private for the municipality to invest for DRR activities The government and the private sectors must schools. There are also fi nancial institutions, The municipalities are charging Rs. 300,000 from their municipal budget. The project work together to make the businesses and mainly cooperatives and private banks. from a brick kiln as a royalty. The authorities has also been promoting hotel resilience communities more resilient to future disasters. There are many small retail shops in both claimed that the money generated will certifi cation involving municipalities and These two entities are often stereotyped municipalities. These shops include grocery, be used to execute environment friendly private sector umbrella organizations.

8 9 Support group for shelter,Homenet, Lutheran regards, PRAGATI is supporting the different World Relief are working in the most search and rescue materials and fi re safety affected area. Lumanti has provided technical materials. We are already in dialogue with support to the community facilitating the PRAGATI team to construct space to store administrative process and development those materials. of house design. This has also helped in increasing motivation of people and pace Along with this, we have also discussed of reconstruction. Homenet supported in to modify the training to incorporate livelihood recovery of the people whose personal fi re safety and rescue to the public home based enterprise was disrupted by the and private entities. Since the project is earthquake by providing those materials and focused on these ward 6,7 and 9 that are working space to earn their living. WHR also prone to fi re hazard, having such training is supported single women to recover their important. livelihood. What is the main need of the community Recently PRAGATI project is added to the list in the post earthquake scenario? which is more focused on urban disaster risk Shelter is the main need of the community. reduction and is carrying activities aligning Majority of the disaster affected people to need of municipality. I believe, along with have received the fi rst installment of the recovery and reconstruction from different support from the government. Around 40% INTERVIEW ISHWAR RAUNIYAR projects, this project will be helpful to build of are receiving the second installment. back better and prepare the community for It is understood by now that the amount The Projects should respect the future disaster. provided by the government is not enough “ for people to reconstruct their house. People need of the communities.” The PRAGATI project is working on need to invest their resource as well for developing information management construction of house. But as they do not Subarna Shrestha has been serving as Mayor of Sankharapur system along with other DRR activities in have additional source and are dependent Municipality in Kathmandu for the past one year. For the second issue the municipality. What additional activities upon agriculture they are bound to work ofthe PRAGATI newsletter, Mayor Shrestha spoke to Ishwar Rauniyar, the are required to achieve the vision of the in their fi eld to earn their living and are not municipality? able to engage much in reconstruction. Communication Offi cer of PRAGATI Project, about his views on the role Information management is most needed in Therefore, the pace of reconstruction is of development partners in Nepal after the earthquake. Excerpts: this digital age. Initiative taken from PRAGATI slow. In this condition if we can introduce project is appreciable as it will help the some hardware activities particularly municipality to strengthen its communication support in reconstruction of house, it will be How do you see the reconstruction support to reconstruct their house. Because for better preparedness and response of appreciated more in the community. in Shankharapur? of the same they were less motivated to disaster and support development activities in Shankharapur Municipality was one of the construct their house with their own resource. the municipality. Do you have any messages to NGOs and most affected areas during 2015 earthquake. Neither the local government clarifi ed it INGOs interested in collaborating with Nearly 6000 houses were damaged partially nor the affected people realize it earlier. Shankharapur has very minimum internal the municipality for different activities? or completely. Numerous culturally and Hence reconstruction was slow. After living resource as most of the municipality areas We have been meeting all NGOs and INGOs traditionally signifi cant monuments were in temporary shelters for more than 2 years is rural. It is very much dependent upon the to gather information on their progress and also damaged. To be honest, reconstruction post earthquake with little support coming fund from the central government, therefore is plan. We will now check the relevancy of the was not gaining any pace at the beginning; from government, they have realized that not in state to invest massively over different activities to the municipality and encourage it is slightly gaining the pace but still it is not government has just extended minor support sectors. Disaster management is one of them. modifying the activities to meet need of the satisfactory. for reconstruction. Ever since number of Having said that, we also realize that we are community. Further, I would to say that all people reconstructing houses has increased. at risk from different hazards. For instance, projects have to be developed based on the What could be the main hurdles and gaps the core settlement of Sankhu is dense need of community and should match the for slow pace of reconstruction? In the post earthquake scenario, many and compact, fi re hazard has kept all the context of the municipality. We are happy I fi nd inadequate awareness as a major NGOs, INGOs have come to Shankharapur settlement at risk. With the rugged surface to provide every support required but the reason for delay. Those whose houses were to work. How do you see their and number of hills and hillocks, and rivers project should be developed in consultation completely damaged had a misconception engagement? we are also at risk of landslide and fl ood in with community and municipality to fulfi ll that the government will provide all required With fi nancial support from Oxfam, Lumanti different parts of the municipality. in this their need.

10 11 Homestay struggles to retain its lost ‘beauty’

SHAKTI GURUNG Project Coordinator, FSCN

ALL PHOTOS: ISHWAR RAUNIYAR

Nagarkot Community Homestay is located in “All the units were damaged by the quakes make them eligible to receive the government business. Overall, it is a tough road ahead for Bastola Village of Changunarayan Municipality. and aftershocks and for many days and nights grant but some policy constraints are the operators to resume their business as before This homestay location is 11.3 KM North East our families stayed under a tent,” says Suraj discouraging them to go for reconstruction. or to run it better. from Tribhuwan International airport. Bastola, President of Nagarkot Community As per new policies, these homestay families This homestay consists of 17 units. Homestay. “We had to cancel all the advance are compelled to allot a part of their land for Currently they are also planning to construct bookings due to the damage.” the road access leaving very limited area of one community building which can also be used It was a good alternative source of income land for reconstruction. They need to follow as a safe shelter during future disasters. Project for the families before the 2015 earthquake. He shared that the business thrived well and the policy in order to qualify for money to PRAGATI is supporting these homestays for the The PRAGATI project’s stakeholders mapping they were also planning to launch effective be received from the municipality. Some of formulation of household level Disaster Risk action has identifi ed that average yearly promotional activities. Unfortunately, the the families are investing their own money to Management Plan and to develop risk sensitive income of the homestay was from NRS earthquake destroyed not only the houses reconstruct the houses on the land where they business contingency plan so these homestays 150, 000 to 200,000. but the future prospects the business could exactly stood before. can enhance their capacity for disaster bring on. preparedness and resume their business during The 2015 earthquake damaged all homestay Till now only 3 of the 17 units are and immediately after the disasters. The project units forcing the operators to shut down their Each homestay unit was the home of 17 reconstructed and are under operation. also provided Frist Aid and Search & Rescue services for months. families. All of them have red stickers that However, for the three units, it took almost training to some of the active members to two years to get their fi rst customer. enhance their preparedness capacity for future They now have to rely on good network with disaster response. travel agencies and customers to retain their

12 13 There were no Municipal and Ward Disaster % % Still a long way to go Risk Management (DRM) Committees in 24.2 1.9 prepared for timely of people could recall both municipalities. And, also the Disaster The 2015 earthquake woke up Nepalis to imbibe many lessons, including for response during three safer locations Risk Management Plan and Emergency those government and non-governmental organizations that had long emergency in their community Preparedness and Response Plan were been talking about earthquake preparedness. and house not developed. There were 29 elected representatives at municipalities and wards Chandra Laxmi Hada in the project area. However, none of them 5.9% 4.5% Urban DRR Advisor were oriented on DRM. Both municipalities people reached people covered were well endowed with human resources. through IEC on DRR by early action/ There were 79 personnel working at 5 private The base line survey of PRAGATI project contingency plan concluded that the level of preparedness on entities. But none of them were trained on disaster risk management at the household, DRR information management system. community, local government institutions, and private entities is still weak and that it needed During FGDs and KIIs, it is pointed out that 20% 4.5% more intervention. there was no early warning system in the of private entities people participated project area. However, the community people implement safety in interventions This note is prepared to share the major used to circulate the pre-disaster information and resilience that enhance their fi ndings from the baseline of the PRAGATI to the community people in traditional way. standards capacity to face Project conducted in Shankarapur Municipality Altogether 60.8% respondents replied that shocks and stresses ISHWAR RAUNIYAR in Kathmandu and Changunarayan they did not have knowledge about the fi rst Municipality in Bhaktapur district. The survey ward level. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) informant. has been able to establish the baseline were conducted one in each project ward Out of 400 households, only 4.5% (18 HHs) value for the indicators against the Specifi c with the benefi ciaries including vulnerable 95.2% 83.8% had household preparedness plan while 74.2% Objective and Expected Results. This will people such as women, men, Dalits, minorities respondents had knowledge about one or be useful for monitoring the progress and and people with disabilities through a had knowledge had knowledge more locations when they were inside houses the achievements made by the project. The structured assessment checklist. A total of 23 about earthquake about landslide and 62.5% replied about safer locations in project has also established a robust M and E KIIs were undertaken including the elected their community. systems with appropriate M and E Framework representatives and offi cials of wards and and monitoring tools. The progress is being municipalities, teachers, health post in-charge, 67.8% 35.8% 30.2% When asked about rescue measures, 87.5% monitored in quarterly basis through the managers of hotel and brick industries, fi re storm thunderbolt respondents reported that they did not have indicator and activities tracking sheet Chairperson of Nagarkot Community rescue materials in their community. 83% of Homestay, and Director of private hospitals. the respondents replied that no efforts were The survey consisted of qualitative and Similarly, observation of brick factory, 42.5% made by the community to reduce the losses HHs reported severely affected by any types quantitative data collection. Primary homestays, hotels, schools and health post and impact of disasters during last 2 years. of disaster during last two years information was collected through household were conducted during the fi eld visit. 60% respondents replied that they did not survey, consultation meetings, key informants’ have any supporting institutions and agencies interview (KII) and focus group discussions Major Findings 26.2% 15% to mitigate the risks of disasters in their (FGDs). The sample size of the household The fi ndings of the study concluded that air pollution aware about early community. survey was 400 proportionately divided into the major disasters in the project area are warning system the study districts, municipalities and wards. earthquake, fi re, air pollution, road accident Private entities including chimneys, micro The sample size was derived from statistical and strong wind. The level of preparedness industries, hospitals, and hotels and % % calculation based on the simple random for disaster management at the household, 4.5 87.5 homestays were interviewed to explore had household said the communities sampling with 5% margin of error. Household community, local government institutions, and their infrastructural safety and resilience preparedness plan did not have rescue information was collected through the use private entities was weak in the entire study standard, and involvement, participation and materials of Magpi – mobile application. Secondary area. The study found that all are in initial contribution for DRM with local authorities information was collected through various stage including underequipped Government and communities. None of them had DRR published and unpublished documents. organizations and human resources with 83% 60% preparedness plan. They had almost negligible limited knowledge. Establishment of said no efforts made said they did not involvement, participation and contribution for The survey commenced number of the information management system is by the communities have any supporting DRM with local authorities and communities. consultations with the government challenging due to the transitional phase of to reduce the loses institutions to Chimneys were emitting smokes extensively stakeholders at district, municipality and recruitment process of human resources. mitigate risk causing air pollution.

14 15 EVENTS The program helped sensitize the local Exposure Visit to National representatives to internalize DRR activities along with the development activities. They Emergency Operation expressed their commitment to internalize Center (NEOC) Earthquake Safety Day DRR safety measures at ward and municipal level. The Deputy mayor of Suryabinayak The Mayor, deputy Mayor, chief executive The PRAGATI project organised several Municipality was motivated to conduct the offi cer, security force representative, IT programmes to mark Earthquake Safety Day similar events in her municipality. She said that personnel, media professional, computer on Jan 16, in Changunarayan and Sankharapur the programme was very effective. She will PRATAP MAHARJAN operators, ward chairpersons of project areas Municipality. also organize similar kind of program in her committee. In total, 51 persons (16 females, (ward 6, 7 and 9 of Shankharapur and ward municipality. 35 male) participated in the program. The 6 and 8 of Changunarayan municipality) Changunarayan event has supported to bring the private were oriented on roles and responsibilities of  Awareness Rally was organized on the  Interaction program on “Role of Private sector and government together to create Emergency Operation Centre. The authorities occasion of 20th Earthquake Safety Day Sectors on DRR” was also organized on a conducive environment to discuss and were taken for a visit to the NEOC on 22nd in collaboration with the District Disaster 19th of January. The program was focused engage private sector in DRR initiatives February, 2018 where the chief of NEOC Management Committee and Nepal Red to orient and sensitize the private sectors in the municipality. Also, the platform has described about the legislative obligation Cross Society, Bhaktapur. It was organized of Changunarayan Municipality on the helped surface the interest of the private to establish Emergency Operation Center to spread awareness on earthquake importance of their role to reduce and sector particularly brick manufacturers and (EOC) at the municipality level, along with safety measures, disaster prevention manage the risk of disaster. There was banks to engage in reconstruction process other provisions of Disaster Risk Reduction and mitigation messages, preparedness, presence of representatives from private provided the municipality clarifi es the legal Management Act. He also explained the importance of following Nepal National cooperatives, homestay operators and provisions for the engagement. functions and minimum requirement of EOC Building Code through play cards. In schools. They were sensitized on ways the rally, 47 people participated directly the private sector can support disaster  Street Drama Performed: A street drama and awareness messages could reach to prevention/mitigation and preparedness. on earthquake safety was performed more than 500 community people of the on 25th January in Chalakhutole of surrounding area. Sankharapur Sankharapur Municipality. The drama  Earthquake Safety Day was observed in performed by Dabali Natak Samuha (a Shankarapur by organizing an interaction locally registered drama company) drew program on “Engagement of Private nearly 200 spectators on the day. The Sector in DRR” in collaboration with Local principle objective of the drama was to Disaster and Climate Resilient Committee, raise awareness on DRR through street on January 16, 2018. The general objective drama/community theatre in Shankharapur of the event was to sensitize on role and Municipality. The specifi c objective of potential contribution of private sector the assignment was to aware community to develop a resilient community. The to build back better, construct resilient event specifi cally aimed to, (i) Inform houses and communities considering the stakeholders on provisions made in multiple hazard. The drama aimed to national plans and policies on engagement sensitize people on do’s and don’ts during and its importance for DRR. “Information SHAKTI GURUNG of private sector for DRR and (ii) Sensitize the earthquake, safe building practices, management and coordination is soul  Disaster Risk Reduction and Management the stakeholders on potential areas of compliance to building codes and use of of the EOC, it is non-negotiable for the Act orientation program was conducted on engagement of private sector in DRR of quality materials to meet safety standards. establishment of EOC,” he emphasized. The 19th of January for the local representatives Shankharapur municipality. The event The drama also conveyed message to participants were also taken around the NEOC of 9 wards of Changunarayan Municipality. was attended by Mayor, Deputy Mayor, hire trained masons and engineers to and informed on procedured of information Mayor, Deputy Mayor of Changunarayan Chief Executive Offi cer, municipality construct houses. The activity has helped management and communication. They including Deputy Mayor of Suryabinayak staff, local elected representatives (Ward to raise awareness on earthquake safety were sensitized on need and requirement of Municipality participated in the program. chair, representative), Ward secretaries, and reiterated the need of following EOC. The activity will help in motivating the The orientation helped enhance their representatives from health institutions, building codes and getting approval from authorities for establishment and functioning knowledge and understanding on the education institutions, representatives from municipality for safe construction. All in all, of EOC in the respective municipality provisions of the Act. Local representatives civil society, community based organization, the initiative would ultimately encourage which will ultimately support in improving understood their responsibilities and media representatives, fi nancial institutions, the locals of Shankharapur- 6 and 7 to build emergency response capacity of community legal mandates to mainstream DRR into women group, disaster management back better, specially in the earthquake- through availability of required information development plans. committee and area improvement affected communities therein. and proper coordination.

16 17 Workshop on “Sensitization on Implementation of Training on Community Nepal National Building Code to the Private Sector” Search and Rescue

A-fi ve-day long training on community their part for the effective implementation of search and rescue was conducted for the the NNBC. The DUDBC building code section 24 team members of a task force team of engineer presented on building code and ward 6 and 8 in technical support of Nepal highlighted how private sectors could support Red Cross Society, Bhaktapur. The objective to implement it. of the training was to enhance knowledge and understanding among stakeholders on He shed light on several provisions in disaster management, develop the concept building code that facilitates the earthquake of fi rst aid and community search and rescue, affected people to rebuild the houses in case develop the knowledge and skill of helping PRATAP MAHARJAN engineers are not available. Lack of clarity disaster affected people, develop the skill regarding some important information in the Support to develop risk and knowledge of identifying the needs of building code has hindered local people to SHAKTI GURUNG sensitive contingency/ put it into practice. Municipality along with On 28th February, a workshop was organized the project has been thinking of spreading emergency response plan on “Nepal National Building Code (NNBC) awareness to the affected community about of private hospital and and Role of Private Sectors to implement the the simple and easy provisions of constructing NNBC. The program was jointly organized earthquake resilient houses to accelerate the small and medium scale by PRAGATI Project and Changunarayan reconstruction process. enterprises: Municipality with the aim of sensitizing the stakeholders directly or indirectly responsible In the workshop, engineers from DUDBC Training cum workshop on development to the implement the NNBC. The private Bhaktapur division offi ce shared that more SHAKTI GURUNG of contingency plan was organized in sectors such as bank and fi nancial institutions, than 90% of the building in Bhaktapur have coordination with Shankharapur Business disaster affected people, enhance knowledge insurance companies, construction business, not followed the NNBC which has increased Group and Local Disaster and Climate Resilient and understanding on basic fi rst aid and journalists, municipality, tourism entrepreneurs the risk of damage during future disaster, Committee. Altogether, 22 participants joined search and rescue, enhance understanding and members of Home Stay Association especially earthquake. Representatives from in representing Small and Medium Scale of the importance of basic fi rst aid during actively participated in the workshop. The bank and fi nancial institutions highlighted the Enterprises (SMEs)- Mills (furniture and food search and rescue, enhance the knowledge of Deputy Mayor and coordinator of the need of safer investment and use of Corporate processing), Brick manufacturing factories, coordination, leadership, team mobilization Municipal Disaster Management Committee, Social Responsibility (CSR) budget in Disaster Schools, Private hospitals, and Shankharapur and communication during search and rescue, BinaBastola, urged the stakeholders to do Risk Reduction activities. Business Group. The three-day event merged and prepare the human resources to support the theoretical presentation followed by group search and rescue including fi rst aid during work and visit of nearby school and hospital disaster. The team will be an asset of the to have better comprehension of evacuation municipality to support during any kind of routes and risk elements. The participants disaster. Basic First Aid Training developed their evacuation maps during the event along with a draft sketch of their A three-day longbasic fi rst aid training was contingency plan. The fi nal draft of plans conducted for 24 members for the Task Force Team, Capacity Building of Staff will be shared with the project team and will in the technical support of Nepal Red Cross Society, be placed at their institutions. The activity Bhaktapur. The team included representatives from The communication offi cer of the PRAGATI has helped visualize the risk factors to the the communities and private sectors. This team will projectheld photo/video/case story participants (representative of private sector), be kept intact as to support during any disaster as writing training, in a bid to buildcapacity sensitized that a small investment or simply well as other emergencies. Objectives of the training of the project’s partners’ staff.The training perception change can help them minimize were to enhance knowledge and understanding on wasdesigned to provide basic mobile the risk they are prone to. It has motivated disaster management, introduce concept, principle photography and videography skill to the them for disaster preparedness to ensure and process along with objective of fi rst aid, to discuss fi eld staffs – project coordinator and social continuity of their post disaster initiatives. This and determine do’s and don’ts of fi rst aid during an mobilisers of both organisations – NDRC and will support in preparing the community for emergency and to enhance knowledge and skills FSCN. In the training, the team also explored rapid response and continue their services regarding fi rst aid. possible stories of the area. during and after the disaster. SHAKTI GURUNG

18 19 IN THE NEWS

Disclaimer: “This document covers humanitarian aid activities implemented with the fi nancial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein should not be taken, in any way, to refl ect the offi cial opinion of the European Union, and the European Commission is not responsible for any use20 that may be made of the information it contains.”