World Bank signs $300-M loan for Nepal quake reconstruction

KATHMANDU, Nepal – The World Bank on Sunday, January 21, approved a $300 million loan for Nepal as the impoverished nation struggles to raise money to rebuild almost three years after an earthquake killed thousands and flattened homes.

Nearly 9,000 people died when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck in April 2015, destroying more than half a million homes.

Only one in 10 of those homes has been rebuilt as the third anniversary of the disaster looms and Nepal faces a $1.2 billion shortfall in reconstruction funds, the World Bank said.

“The gap has decreased” through this loan, said Kamran Akbar, a disaster risk management specialist at the global financial lender.

“We understand that there is still a requirement but there are also others who are supporting Nepal,” he told Agence France-Presse.

Kathmandu estimated the recovery bill from the devastating quake at $6.7 billion but costs quickly spiralled.

The government has faced mounting criticism over the slow pace of reconstruction. 

Political wrangling meant Nepalis who lost everything waited nearly a year before receiving their first instalment of a promised housing grant.

In September 2016 the government increased the housing grant by 50 percent, sending costs soaring.

The National Reconstruction Authority is currently distributing the second tranche of three payments.

International donors pledged $4.1 billion for reconstruction after the quake — the strongest to hit Nepal in 80 years — and the World Bank approved a $200 million loan at the time.

The deal Sunday also includes $80 million for a livestock project and another $60 million credit for vocational training.

“These three agreements are important for Nepal because they boost job creation, including for many women,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank country director for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, in a statement. – Rappler.com