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Green Road Construction
Construction of the "Green Road" in the Eastern Region of Nepal draws youths out of unemployment and away from violence and involvement in the conflict. The construction is a strictly local affair: local committees are in charge of the ongoing construction and everyone involved comes from the local community.
Description
The Human Rights Consciousness and Development Centre (HUCODEC) developed the Green Road Construction initiative to create employment in the Panchthar District. The focus of the initiative is those youths who are in danger of being involved in violence due to unemployment. The youths' involvement in the construction work has also stimulated their energy for development work, which has promoted peace in the area. Construction started in January 2004 and the intiative has already completed 26 km of the road. The final 9km will be completed by September 2007.
Aims / Objectives
- To prevent local youths from getting involved in violence;
- To create employment opportunities in the local area, especially for the youths; and
- To reintegrate youths who have been involved in violence into the community and into development work.
How it is Articulated
Green Road Construction has mobilised user committees at the local level. Through the organisation of these committees, 1000 people have been working on the road each day.
Achievements / Learning Points
Although Green Road Construction may seem to be a development project, HUCODEC has used it to support peace in the local area. It has succeeded in its mission to divert youths away from involvement in violence. The road is nearly finished; construction is ongoing on the final 9km of the 35km road.
The construction project has provided employment in the local area, especially for the youths. All of the workers on the initiative are local people, and 75% of the youths of the local area have got involved in the construction of the road. Half of these were Maoists who left the violent activities of the conflict to join the initiative.
Geographical Area of Operation
Panchthar district of Mechi zone in the Eastern Region
Funding Resources
Infrastructure for Rural Income - United States Agency for International Development (INFRIN-USAID)
Organisations Involved
HUCODEC has formed a powerful user committee from the local people to handle the construction of the road including fund mobilisation.
Stories
Since the start of the initiative many Maoist members have left their party and joined in the construction of the "Green Road".