In an article entitled "Nepal Earthquake 2015 - Petition to Transparency International, CIAA Nepal and United Nations," Sanju Lama levies pretty harsh allegations of corruption in Nepal that have kept relief funds and supplies from the quake victims.
Following the initial devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25-April-2015 and the 7.3 aftershock on 12-May, bureaucracy and corruption severely hampered the distribution of aid. She writes,
It has been reported that the government of Nepal has received funds and pledges of Billions of Nepalese Rupees from countries all over the world (Wikipedia article; Financial Tracking Service report). The generosity has been overwhelming, but most of these funds have not reached to people who are in desperate need of it, due to ongoing corruption and bribery which is deeply rooted inside the political system of Nepal.
Sanju Lama goes on to further say:
"Most people have not even received the basic needs like tents and food supplies which does not tie up with the billions collected so far by the government. It is as simple as that. Committing to transparency and actually implementing it are two different things."
At this time of adversity, everyone is helping out each other in their own ways and the work of volunteers, NGOs, INGOs, Armies and civilians have been commendable. We would still need lot more funding and aids to get back to normalcy so please carry on donating to credible organisations and groups. Every little helps.)
Aljazeera reported that, "Giving reconstruction funds directly to Nepal quake survivors could cut out corruption and administrative waste."
This is precisely why it is recommended to give through NGOs, who have delivery systems on the ground. A3 is delivering aid directly through a network of local churches right to quake victims.
In fact, A3 has been distributing funds since June through dozens of local churches that have a pulse on where the greatest needs are. Due to the enormous homelessness, A3 is currently raising funds for Family Rebuilding Packages, which can get directly to homeless family with in a matter of a couple weeks. Each package is only $130 and includes:
- Tin sheets and bamboo poles to construct a simple shelter; a supply of rice, lentils, cooking oil, and salt; bowls, plates, utensils; towels; soaps - for personal washing and for clothes washing; blankets to provide flooring and bedrolls; mosquito nets; and even candy for the kids.
Would you consider giving $130 to help a homeless family get back on its feet?
...or send your check to A3,
PO Box 3307, Cerritos, CA 90703.
After this Family Rebuidling Package campaign, A3 will continue distributing funds through local churches that have the flexibility to get relief to the victims who need it the most.
We can't speak for all groups, but we can say with integrity that relief funds donated to A3 are getting directly to the people of Nepal.
More Information
- Please sign and share this petition (Transparency International, CIAA Nepal and United Nations)Transparency International, CIAA Nepal and United Nations) and help the victims of earthquake to get the aid which is being misused and delayed due to widespread corruption and bribery. They currently need 6,500 more signatures!
- More about Nepal Family Rebuilding Packages...
Related articles on inefficiency and corruption:
- VIDEO: Nepal quake aid money fails to trickle down
- Nepali Times: Bureaucracy as usual
- Ten tons of aid collections for earthquake survivors is stuck because Nepal's 30% tax on donations means it is too expensive to hand them over
- Where is Nepal aid money going?
- Nepal struggles to rebuild one month after earthquake
- Kathmandu Post: Tons of relief materials ‘rot’ in warehouses
- The Guardian: How can we ensure every penny of aid is accounted for in Nepal?
- Nepal earthquake: Anger as corruption, red tape holds up aid delivery in remote areas
- Nepal Republic Media: Lawmakers blame govt for not assigning them with responsibilities
- Buzz Feed News: The Ghosts of Laprak
