KEY FINDINGS IN DECEMBER
In December, community perception surveys saw a positive increase on certain issues, such as winter preparedness, and stagnation on other issues. Overall perceptions on the progress of the earthquake response did see a positive change from the previous round.
Increased winterization support will have influenced perceptions on response efforts. This round marked an increase on positive perceptions for winter preparedness. This is likely a result of increased winterization support in December, particularly from the government cash distribution. As a result of these efforts, there was also an increase in positive perceptions of the government in earthquake response efforts. With increased winter-based distributions, there was a slight decrease in positive perceptions related to the fairness of aid distribution.
Feedback collected from 12 agencies in the field also highlight the issue of beneficiary selection and aid distribution, reconstruction, WASH and winter preparedness as a challenge. Issues, such as quality, access, eligibility and insufficient aid continue to be raised by communities. Feedback also highlight needs related to w inter, such as provision of warm blankets and clothes or access to local health posts and WASH facilities such as clean water and latrines. Safe schools and adequate materials for children have also been raised as key issues communities would like to address.
Shelter and winter related issues remain the biggest concern for communities. Community feedback, from multiple channels, raise concerns and questions related to reconstruction support. In particular, communities are looking for answers to their concerns and questions around grant/loan support and guidance for reconstruction.
In December, the Common Feedback Project began an initiative to communicate back to communities through the organization of KEY FINDINGS IN DECEMBER community meetings in all 14 districts. These meetings focus on ensuring feedback collected is shared with those communities. These meetings bring together community members, local government stakeholders and humanitarian partners to discuss and clarify issues and address any related concerns.
In the first round of community meetings, the key issues include winterization support, particularly the cash distribution from the government and reconstruction plans.
Communities clearly raised their concerns over the timeliness and fairness of distribution efforts and reconstruction plans. These community meetings provided a platform for local government to explain plans and address concerns related to fairness.
Key Recommendations for December :
Continue to strengthen outreach and dialogue with communities to ensure communities have the information they need and are able to provide feedback to shape response efforts. In particular, ensure reconstruction plans and guidance is shared with communities through appropriate channels, such as radio, television and interpersonal.
Continue winterization support to reach communities who have not yet received support while also ensuring effective monitoring and outreach to limit concerns over fairness and beneficiary selection.
With the National Reconstruction Authority formed, government and agencies must ensure community feedback mechanisms and community outreach are prioritized to ensure reconstruction efforts meet the needs and concerns of communities.