Hallenges and Opportunities of Home Owner Driven Reconstruction Approach (A Study from Melung Rural Municipality, Dolakha, Nepal)

Abstract

On Saturday, 25 April 2015 at 11:56 local time, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. This earthquake results in over 8,790 casualties and 22,300 injuries. It is estimated that the lives of eight million people, almost one-third of the population of Nepal, have been impacted by these earthquakes. Nearly 500,000 houses were destroyed and more than 250,000 houses were partially damaged in this earthquake. Government of Nepal adopted Owner Driven Reconstruction (ODR) Approach to implement safe building design and construction in 31 affected districts. ODR approach was tested in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka and Thailand and proved to be best approach for post-disaster reconstruction scenario. Government of Nepal established National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) under reconstruction and rehabilitation act 2072 to lead the reconstruction in Nepal. After three years of earthquake, only 40% people completed their house up to DPC level and 10% completed their houses. Because of this slow pace of construction few experts are arguing that owners driven reconstruction may not work in Nepalese context. Hence this study tries to analyze the current challenges and opportunities of owner driven reconstruction approach in Nepal. Survey was carried out in 342 households in Melung Rural Municipality of the Dolakha district. Key Informant Survey with the local authorities was carried out to understand the overall scenario of the areas. Site observation was done based on the prepared checklist. Collected data was formatted and organized in excel. The data were analyzed and conclusions were made based on the each questionnaire. All the plan, policies and guidelines formulated by the government were also reviewed and analyzed the gaps between plan and implementation. From the study it was concluded that Home Owner Driven Reconstruction Approach need to modify in Nepalese context. It was found that the reconstruction is not started or slower because of several socio-economic factors. Policies and plans are not coinciding with the real field scenario. The immediate recommendation made was clear messaging through awareness activities, effective mobilization of technical manpower and masons, establishment of technical support center, bringing women in the mainstream of reconstruction, made clear provision of loan and subsidy, clear provision of retrofitting will expected to increase the speed and effectiveness of the home-owner driven reconstruction approach. vi