UK minister in Nepal to assess aid to quake victims

UK's newly-appointed minister of international development, Rory Stewart, is currently on a visit to Nepal to assess the progress made on reconstruction efforts following last year's earthquakes and reaffirm Britain's support to the development of the Himalayan nation.
Last year, the UK played a key role in international response to the Nepal earthquakes by addressing the humanitarian needs of the affected people and supporting the long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts of the country.
"UK support is helping to build a safer, healthier and more prosperous world which is firmly in the interests of both countries," a press release issued by the UK Embassy here said.

The British Minister of State at the Department for International Development (DFID) met with Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara and discussed the next phase of UK support to Nepal, it said.
He also met with the Chief of the Nepal Reconstruction Authority, senior government officials and DFID programme partners to discuss how access to bank accounts could be increased to speed up the payment of housing grants to quake- affected households, the release said.
The Minister will call on Prime Minister Prachanda during his visit.

Stewart is the first UK Minister to visit Nepal since the new UK government led by Theresa May was formed in July.

"I am delighted to return to Nepal in the year that our two countries are celebrating our strong 200 year relationship. The UK stood by the Nepali people in their time of need following the tragic earthquakes last year, and we continue to support the country to build back better and get on track towards a more prosperous and stable future" Steward said.
The Minister will see first-hand the impact of the earthquake and how the UK aid is helping Nepal after last year's deadly quakes killed nearly 9,000 people and devastated the country.
DFID's work with the Government of Nepal and the finance sector can allow grants and housing support to be paid directly to the people of Nepal through easy to access mobile banking.

There are currently 143 branchless banking points in Nepal with over 10,000 new accounts opened in the first four months of roll out.