The Government of Japan provides financial assistance of US Dollar 225,490, equivalent to approximately 24.05 million Nepalese rupees, to Shapla Neer Citizen’s Committee in Japan for Overseas Support (Shapla Neer) under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme.

Shapla Neer, a NGO based in Japan, will work with a Nepalese partner NGO, Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), to implement the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strengthening Project in Chitwan District.

Masashi OGAWA, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Toyoaki KOMATSU, Country Representative, Shapla Neer, Nepal Office, signed agreement at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal in this regard.

According to a press release issued by Embassy of Japan, this grant assistance will be used to implement a project in both Madi Municipality, a flood prone area, and Lothar VDC, a land-slide prone area, in Chitwan District. This project aims to strengthen community resilience towards disasters.

The major elements of this project includes capacity development of community organizations:  in order to help facilitate the development of disaster management plans, etc., the Local Disaster Management Committee (LDMC) and Community Based People’s Organizations (CBPOs) will be provided with disaster management training.

Preparation for establishment of infrastructure: an association of CBPOs will be formed to minimize risks from floods at a specific river basin in Madi Municipality.  This is based on the idea that it is necessary to work collectively and take into consideration the entire river when thinking about DRR of a river basin.  With input and advice from a Japanese specialist, community people will discuss what kind of infrastructure they need, such as check dam, mud dam, spur, embankment, etc., for future infrastructure development plans.

Support for rehabilitation of small infrastructure in Lothar VDC: the project will support the earthquake rehabilitation process through infrastructural support.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities at school level: study visits, collection of successful case studies, evacuation drills, etc.

“The Embassy of Japan in Nepal expects the success of this project will enhance the cordial friendship between the people of Japan and Nepal,” said a press release issued by Press release.