Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Habitat for Humanity Nepal to enter into partnership for ‘Rebuild Nepal’earthquake disaster response project and ‘100,000 Housing Campaign' of Habitat for Humanity including supporting Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

In the presence of the CNI President Narendra K. Basnyat, the MoU was signed by  Rick Hathaway, Area Vice President, Asia-Pacific Office, Habitat for Humanity International and Anuj Agrawal, Vice President, CNI.

Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya from Maha Sanchar, CNI Senior Vice President Hari Bhakta Sharma, CNI Vice Presidents Satish More and  Manoj Kedia and officials from Habitat for Humanity were present also present.

CNI has always championed the need for sustainable development, a view also upheld by Habitat for Humanity, which works globally to eliminate substandard housing. In the wake of the earthquake that shook the nation on April 25, 2015, with more than half a million houses destroyed the need for housing has become even more critical.

The Rebuild Nepal program aims to help at least 20,000 families severely affected by the April 2015 earthquake recover by focusing on immediate relief, transitional shelter, and housing rehabilitation or construction of core and full homes.

In conjunction, the 100,000 Housing Campaign aims to provide 100,000 houses in Nepal by 2016. The Housing Campaign is targeted at enabling people to understand the importance of decent shelter and create awareness about the use of locally available resources in cost effective way. Former US President, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn are supporting the 100,000 Housing Campaign through the 32nd annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, focusing their efforts on building houses in Pokhara, Nepal.

Speaking at the program,  CNI president Basnyat said, “Our country is at a very critical stage, recuperating from the calamity does not end with immediate relief and rehabilitation activities, the process of rebuilding of the overall economy is still at a very nascent phase. However, the economic recovery of the country starts with the recovery of its millions of displaced citizens and while housing alone is not a sufficient condition, the current efforts to build houses and provide shelters is a very necessary one.”

According to a press release issued by CNI, Anuj Agrawal added that, “CNI as the apex representative body of large to medium scale enterprise within Nepal has a very strong network which we believe we will be able to garner the support from to work with Habitat for Humanity in facilitating building of the houses and generating funds for the projects.”

Hathaway said “Signing the MoU with CNI is a clear indication of Habitat for Humanity’s long-term commitment to tackling poverty housing in Nepal. Together we can help realize Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a Nepal where everyone has decent place to live.”

“In the coming weeks and months, we will be distributing temporary shelter kits and starting to build permanent homes for families affected by the earthquake. The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in November will help draw global attention back to Nepal six months after the disaster, to raise awareness and funds for decent, safe housing,” continued Hathaway.