Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC
I found the conference quite fruitful and the participants were encouraged seeing the resilience of Nepali people and their determination to rise from the crisis. The pledges made by ministers from various countries and representatives of several agencies are quite encouraging but there is always a challenge when it comes to implementing them. For that, the Nepal government should focus on consistent follow-up and proper home work. The recently-announced high-level reconstruction authority should be formed immediately and made functional.
Surendra Pandey,
former finance minister, CPN-UML
I found the conference 70 percent successful while lacking in certain aspects. It is a positive aspect that the conference was held in Kathmandu because the international delegates got a first-hand view of the destruction caused by the earthquake. These are some of the positive aspects. But there were some flaws. The PDNA report, which was finalized just a few days ago, should have been made public much earlier. The conference would have been more successful had top political leadership such as prime ministers from neighboring and some other countries participated in the event. It would have been possible had the Nepal government done proper homework.
Ram Karki, UCPN (Maoist)
There is no point in getting excited just because various countries and international agencies have announced support to Nepal. It only adds dependency of our country unless we are well-prepared to make maximum utilization of the aid. There is no one who provides aid money to others without their hidden interest. There was no need to convene the conference without adequate preparations.
Jitendra Naryan Dev, MPRF-D
The meeting has sent a positive message as our neighbors, friends and donors have expressed their commitment to support Nepal's reconstruction. Their commitment has shown that Nepal has built credibility and that the conference was productive. However, we could have achieved more, had the government made adequate preparations and consulted opposition parties.
Hridayash Tripathi, TMDP
Our party, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) applauds the goodwill gesture of the international community. However, it is a challenge for the government of Nepal to spend the huge amount through capital expenditure. From my experiences at the Public Accounts Committee, it is a major challenge for Nepal to utilize the financial support through existing government mechanisms. We had seen the past governments misuse such support. We hope the government will make proper use of the financial support and ensure that it reaches the quake victims in a real sense.
Ratneshwar Lal Kayastha, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal
The quake victims are in dire need of relief materials while the task of reconstruction is a huge challenge at present. We should start the task of reconstruction immediately and if we need, we should try to receive grants and long-term loans from neighbors and friends. However, we should try to receive grants and loans with minimum conditions imposed by the donors. While utilizing financial support and implementing programs, we should promote local knowledge, technologies and materials.
Manish Suman, Sadbhavana Party
Our neighbors and friends have promised to support us. We applaud their support. Now, it is the duty of the government of Nepal to use the financial support properly and transparently. The donors had supported us in rescue and relief but our government mechanisms failed to channelize that support to the real victims. Thus, we all have to be watchful that the support for reconstruction is spent properly and transparently.
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