Strengthen Socio-Economic System

Working toward sustainable development is a natural and necessary companion to working toward effective earthquake disaster management itself, because the ability to deal with earthquake disasters is highly dependent upon the fundamentals of society, economic growth and social stability, all of which are the fruits of sustainable development. Urban society is highly dependent on the socio-economic infrastructure, and any weakness makes it vulnerable to disaster. The vast direct and indirect economic and societal losses caused by disasters can be reduced by reinforcing the infrastructure through sustainable development practices. The fundamental elements of the infrastructure are discussed.

1. Transportation Facilities
   The existing master plan studies were reviewed. Proposals for roads, bridges and the airport to improve the access and mobility to and inside the Valley are presented.
   

2. Building Structures
   Most of the existing buildings have severe deficiencies regarding earthquake resistance. The current building construction system, the Draft National Building Code of Nepal, the defects of individual types of buildings, hospitals, schools and public buildings and historical buildings are discussed and suggestions/recommendations are presented.
   

3. Urban Structure
   Several separate areas within the city centre of Kathmandu should be designated as intensive development areas for disaster prevention by maximising the characteristics of the urban structure. Securing emergency evacuation routes and preserving evacuation areas in some areas of the city are effective measures that can be applied to Kathmandu. Each of these measures should be implemented to reinforce the city against disasters. Disaster mitigation measures in central Kathmandu will be proposed on a geographic area basis by dividing the city into eight strategic areas based on consideration of the characteristics of the urban structure.
   

4. Electric Power Supply Facilities
   An evaluation of the master plan studies on the transmission and distribution network in the Valley was performed. Providing a stable transmission system is proposed in the city core areas of Kathmandu Metropolis. Also other recommendations including preparation and implementation of earthquake resistant design manuals and training of personnel for an effective technical support system, etc., are presented.
   

5. Water Supply and Sewerage Facilities
   The ongoing Melamchi Project is expected to significantly improve the extremely poor water supply and sewerage conditions. Urgent tasks include preparing earthquake resistant design manuals (including for the project), securing a water supply distribution system by water tankers, and preservation of existing wells and spouts at the local level.
   

6. Telecommunications Facilities
   The current vulnerability of telecommunications facilities is carefully examined. To create a reliable network against disaster, it is recommended to complete the multiple diversity routing composition as well as to establish emergency communication and broadcasting systems.

« Outline of Database System | Results