The South Korean government and Doosan Infracore have collaborated to donate 27 heavy equipment vehicles to Nepal to assist in clearing persisting debris in earthquake-affected areas.
Of these machines, 24 were provided by the Korean government through its development agency Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), while three were provided by Doosan Infracore.
Together, Choe Yong-jin, Korean Ambassador to Nepal, and Jong-jin, senior VP of Doosan Infracore, handed over 11 Doosan DX225LCB hydraulic excavators, six Doosan SD310 wheel loaders, five Bobcat S450 skid steer loaders and five Bobcat E32 compact mini excavators.
Nepalese Home Secretary Surya Silwal said the equipment would help with both reconstruction and debris clearance, and that the government would make optimal use of the resources.
The support is part of $10m in additional aid from South Korea for Nepal’s initial recovery phase.
The Korean government has already provided aid worth $1.5m by dispatching a search and rescue team and a medical team to Nepal and by donating relief and funds through UNOCHA and IFRC.
KOICA has also decided to reconstruct a district hospital and pre-fab health posts in Nuwakot, earmarking $8m for the reconstruction project and the procurement of medical equipment.
Earlier in the year, JCB delivered two batches of equipment to Nepal to assist with the immediate aftermath of the two severe earthquakes epicentred in the country.
