The Rural Access Programme has built more than 1,000 kilometres of rural roads in remote regions of Nepal, along with bridges and other vital rural infrastructure. These roads mean access to education, healthcare, markets, and basic goods such as rice and firewood.
RAP’s partner communities manage construction processes, and they receive the support needed to manage construction processes themselves and to maximise the social and economic opportunities provided by the roads.
RAP’s disaster-resilient, environmentally sound roads are built almost entirely by the most marginalised parts of society, while women make up nearly half the workforce.
RAP’s workers are encouraged to form groups for saving money, and given guidance how to manage them. These schemes help to develop savings habits among communities that have never before earned wages, helping families move from subsistence to diversified farming activities which enable them to plan for the future.
Not only does it [Rural Access Programme] build new roads, but also provides employment, additional infrastructure like irrigation canals and school buildings, training, income and savings for the poor to tide them over lean times.
– Alan Duncan, former Minister of State for Development
Rural Access Programme
Ongoing, 2000-2019
UK Department for International Development (DFID)
September 20, 2018