Nepal appeals for funds; vows full transparency in aid efforts

Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala today pledged to ensure full transparency in massive reconstruction efforts, seeking to allay international donors' fears over corruption as he appealed for a robust partnership in rebuilding the quake-devastated country.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, opening an international donors conference here, appealed for funds and also thanked India and other neighbouring countries and aid agencies for "promptly and generously" providing specialised rescue professionals and relief supplies.

"I assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that your support reaches the intended beneficiaries....We are committed to ensure that transparency remains at the core of the reconstruction effort," said Koirala at the international donors' conference where India pledged $1 billion in assistance to quake-ravaged Nepal for its massive reconstruction programme.

"We are grateful to our neighbours - India and China, fellow SAARC member states, and all other countries that so promptly and generously dispatched specialised search and Rescue professionals and relief supplies within hours and days of the earthquake assisting us in our efforts," he said.

He said to overcome the huge challenges of rehabilitation and reconstruction, Nepal needs a robust partnership with its neighbours, international donors and financial institutions.

The Government has decided to establish a high-level National Reconstruction Authority under the Prime Minister for carrying out the tasks of sustained, durable and planned reconstruction.

The Premier said that political parties in Nepal have shown an unprecedented sense of national unity and reconciliation.

"They have forged a consensus to have an inclusive federal democratic constitution promulgated through the elected Constituent Assembly. It is my firm belief that this will irreversibly put Nepal on the path of peace, stability, rule of law, and development.

"I assure you my Government will have Zero tolerance toward corruption," he said.

He said national ownership of reconstruction and development agendas, policies, and strategies with a clear set of national priorities will ensure optimal use of scarce resources, capacity and expertise, where needed.

"I therefore call on the distinguished representatives to work with us, the Government of Nepal, in an environment of good faith," he said.

Nepal desperately needs assistance to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals destroyed or damaged by the April 25 earthquake and a strong aftershock on May 12.

The powerful earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, injured 23,000 people and damaged more than 500,000 buildings leaving hundreds of thousands of people jobless.