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UK minister promises Rs 460 m to help victims of drought and conflict

Visiting British Development Minister Mike Foster on Wednesday announced an additional Rs 460 million for the World Food Programme's food and relief work across Nepal.

The announced the aid during his visit to the western region. Today he visited far-western Achham district where (Department for International Development (DFID) and WFP are working closely with the Nepal government and other agencies to provide assistance to 120,000 people over the next six months, a press release issued by DFID said.

The money will support food for work programmes, to rebuild schools and health posts that were either damaged or neglected during the conflict, and build new water supplies and irrigation schemes. Maternal and child nutrition work will also be part of the programme.

During the trip, Foster talked to people receiving support, particularly women and children, many of whom would have faced starvation or destitution. He also assessed the past joint works between WFP and DFID on roads programmes.

"I'm very impressed by what I have seen today. Not only are people receiving immediate help but they are being given the means to lift themselves out of poverty. These aren't handouts - these are hand-ups that are making a real difference," he said, adding, "So it makes me doubly happy to announce an additional NRs 460 million of help to carry out vital lifesaving work."

Likewise, Richard Ragan, WFP Country Representative, said, "Conflict, natural disasters and high food prices have decimated the food stocks and livelihoods of millions of Nepalese. WFP has provided food assistance to more than 1.5 million people, but more than one million are still in need. The generous support received from DFID will play a significant role in WFP's efforts to reach these vulnerable populations."

Meanwhile, speaking to media persons in Nepalgunj, Foster said the British government had no immediate plans either to increase or decrease financial support to Nepal.

The UK minister also visited Bheri Hospital to inspect the condition of maternal health services. Maternal health service project in the hospital is being supported by the DFID.

In another context, the British minister denied comments on integration of the two armies. He said it is the Nepalese people and their government who have authority to decide on the fate of Maoist combatants and that his government would not interfere into the matter.

Minister foster visited Maoist cantonments in mid and far west apart from inspecting a number of projects supported by the British government. nepalnews.com Apr 01 09