Gov’t announces MOP20 million earthquake aid donation

Mahesh Prasad Dahal (left) meets with Chui Sai On (right)

The government announced yesterday that it will donate MOP20 million to Nepal in order to provide aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on April 25.
The Chief Executive Chui Sai On held a meeting yesterday with the Nepalese consul to Hong Kong and Macau, Mahesh Prasad Dahal, at the government headquarters. According to a statement issued by the CE’s Office, Chui Sai On conveyed “the local government’s concern and support towards the post-quake relief efforts and expressed wishes that the donation process could be concluded as soon as possible, in order to support the victims and help rebuild the affected areas.”
Mahesh Prasad Dahal went on to describe the extensive damage caused by the earthquake, which killed more than 7,750 people according to current figures. He said that, besides the massive loss of life, the natural disaster affected Nepal’s cultural heritage as it destroyed many listed buildings. The consul thanked Macau for its support and the letter of condolence issued to the Nepalese people issued by the chief executive.

A Nepalese policeman clears the debris at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal

As reported previously by the Times, the local government was criticized by members of the Nepalese migrant community for not responding to ongoing demands to provide support to Nepal’s disaster relief operations.
On Sunday, May 3, the Government Spokesperson’s Office replied, stating that after contacting several public departments, no records of a “formal written request” for financial support from the Non-Resident Nepali Association Macau had been received.

hong kong gov’t helps with 50m

On April 28 the Hong Kong government applied for a supplementary provision of HKD50 million from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for making a donation to Nepal’s relief effort. On April 30 it was announced that the provision had been passed by circulation, without going through the normal procedure of an open meeting. Apart from the government’s donation, several fundraising events were organized and NGOs have since opened donation accounts.