Given Nepal’s geographical proximity and intensive commercial ties with China and India, the country was confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic very early on. A first case of contamination was confirmed in the country on January 23, 2020. In the months that followed, the Nepalese government took several steps to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the virus and to strengthen the capacity of its healthcare infrastructure.
Starting on March 24, the Nepalese government closed the country’s borders, suspended international flights, ordered the closure of all schools and non-essential businesses, and asked people to stay at home except to provide for their basic needs. Since June 15, lockdown has been gradually relaxed: small businesses have been allowed to reopen, and intercity and internal transport in each district has been able to resume.
While the containment measures have so far paid off, with only 14,046 confirmed cases of COVID and 30 deaths in Nepal so far, the reopening of the borders scheduled for July 22 raises fears of a surge in the number of cases due to the announced return of several hundred thousand Nepalese workers currently trapped abroad, often in unsanitary conditions.
In the middle of June, demonstrations brought together several thousand people on the streets of Kathmandu to demand decent quarantine facilities for returning migrant workers, more screening tests and greater transparency surrounding public spending for the fight against COVID-19.
The pandemic has indeed brought to light several weaknesses of the Nepalese state apparatus. An increasing number of people are condemning the mismanagement of public funds, the weakness of the health system (especially in rural areas) and the inability to create conditions conducive to employment in the country. In addition, the crisis has seen the inflammation of disagreements between the federal, provincial and local governments as to their respective powers and budgets.
In this context, our project of Sustainable Use of Technology for Public Sector Accountability (Susasan) is more relevant than ever and has been adapted to respond to certain concerns of the Nepalese population during the pandemic.
The project’s approach consists in supporting local authorities in adopting a decision-making process based on the real needs of the population. This process consists of a two-way interaction between citizens and local governments. Such an interaction, facilitated by the creation of government websites, municipal messaging systems and computer centres, allows for citizens to communicate their needs and for elected officials to better respond to those needs. The population thus exercises control over local governments, encouraging them to act responsibly.
Thanks to the data collected and the technology implemented within the framework of the Susasan project, local governments are now able to come into direct contact with citizens in a grouped manner. The mass messaging system, made possible by the use of mobile phones, has facilitated the work of local authorities in raising awareness of the risks and preventive measures related to COVID-19. This means of communication has also been used by local governments to support those migrant workers who have been able to return to Nepal and to ensure they respect family quarantine.
In order to allow local authorities to communicate the latest information related to COVID-19, the project also established an online portal. The website includes statistics on the progression of the virus, a directory of hospitals and pharmacies in operation, as well as information on the availability of quarantine and isolation services. Users can also interact with governments through the portal by sending their details and requesting assistance if they show symptoms of COVID. Since the launch of the initiative in Dhangadhi on March 3, its success has been such that the concept has been replicated in 27 other cities, including 16 municipalities with which we do not work directly.
Since the start of the pandemic, many people have also seen their mental health affected. Fear of contagion, loss of income, feeling of helplessness, or difficult cohabitation for members of the same family can be a source of stress, anxiety, and even depression. In order to help women, migrant workers and local elected officials deal with the challenges they face, the project has developed knowledge material in the form of podcasts offered to the population to raise awareness.
It is our hope that this approach, which encourages transparency and government accountability, will be used outside the context of the pandemic and beyond the level of local government, as it helps ensure that governments always act in response to the needs of the populations they serve, including the most vulnerable.
The Sustainable Use of Technology for Public Sector Accountability (Susasan) project is financially supported by the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.
