KATHMANDU, MAY 27 The Embassy of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme on Tuesday handed over a newly constructed prefabricated building to Nalgad Municipality as part of post-earthquake recovery efforts in western Nepal. The building is the first among 10 structures being constructed in earthquake-affected areas of Jajarkot and Rukum West districts to strengthen community infrastructure and improve local service delivery following the November 2023 earthquake. Supported by the Government of Japan in partnership with UN-Habitat and local organisations, the facilities are being built in Nalgad, Bheri and Barekot municipalities in Jajarkot district and Aathbiskot and Sanibheri municipalities in Rukum West district. According to the organisers, the buildings will replace damaged public infrastructure and be used for essential services including ward offices, immunisation centres and police posts. Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal Yasuharu Shinto said the project would help strengthen local governance, ensure continuity of public service delivery and enhance disaster preparedness in earthquake-affected communities. He also noted that the initiative coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan and would further strengthen cooperation among Japan, UNDP and Nepal. UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka said disaster recovery requires long-term efforts beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure, including restoration of livelihoods, governance systems and community services. Mayor Dambar Bahadur Rawat said the project had adopted an integrated approach addressing infrastructure, livelihoods, psychosocial support and local governance through improved emergency preparedness and capacity building. The project is being implemented under the 'Livelihoods Improvement and Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the Areas Affected by the Jajarkot Earthquake (LiDRE)' programme from March 2025 to July 2026 across five local governments in Karnali Province.