Rural Access Programme (RAP-3)
Background
Introducing the Rural Access Programme (RAP), Nepal
Conceived in 1999 as a comprehensive poverty alleviation programme, UK Aid-funded RAP uses the construction of transport infrastructure as an entry point for improving the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people in remote areas of Nepal – communities with limited access to goods and social services.
Now in its third stage, RAP’s implementation has involved construction of tracks, trails and roads using labour-intensive, environmentally sound and climate resilient methods; alongside complementary socio-economic interventions. Besides the evident benefits of improved access, RAP has generated significant employment in rural areas, especially for women.
RAP 3 – Building on past successes
Following effective completion of the design and initial implementation phase (RAP 1) and further implementation phase (RAP2), RAP 3 is building upon what has already been achieved while drawing new focus from lessons learned. Specifically, RAP3 is concerned with improving asset management of the local road network (LRN) and economic infrastructure; short term employment creation and longer term income generation; capacity and institutional development; and disaster resilience. RAP 3 is actively addressing issues identified in earlier phases by:
Focusing on the poorest districts in the West of Nepal;
Using sustainable asset management to promote community resilience;
Working closely with government partners – building capacity within both the public and private sector;
Adopting a pragmatic approach to project implementation – recognising that different districts have different needs which require different kinds of support.
IMC Worldwide Ltd has been appointed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to manage RAP3 on its behalf. IMC has managed each successive phase of RAP since programme design began in 1999.
RAP Awards
Winner of the Institution of Civil Engineers Edmund Hambly Medal 2014.
Winner of the ACE Awards 2014.
Winner of the British Expertise Outstanding International Development Project 2014.
Winner of the ACE Centenary Engineering Excellence Awards 2013.
Winner of the International Road Federation 2009 Global Roads Achievement for Advocacy Award
For Further Details Please Visit http://www.rapnepal.com