Holtab travels to Nepal following landslides

Over the course of nearly three weeks, the group will visit several locations where Holtab is involved in ongoing projects. In late summer, major landslides claimed thousands of lives and caused extensive damage to homes and roads.

Moa expects to see clear signs of the devastation.

‘We will be visiting the affected area,’ she says.

Holtab’s involvement in Nepal goes back many years and includes projects in several parts of the country. Tuki Nepal and Build Up Nepal are important partners in this work.

‘We will review all our existing projects while also exploring new opportunities to get involved. This could, for example, be in the area affected by the landslides.’

Returning to Jajarkot

Joining Moa on the trip are fellow Holtab employees Marika Jörgensen and Carl-Fredrik Gyllenhammar, along with Malin Ajax from ABB. One of the places they plan to visit is Jajarkot, which was severely affected by the 2023 earthquake.

‘We support projects there to build earthquake-resistant homes and schools. As I visited last year, I’m really looking forward to seeing how much progress has been made,’ says Moa.

The regular visits provide an opportunity to follow up on projects together with local partners and hear directly from the people involved.

‘It gives everyone involved extra motivation when we, as sponsors, are there in person. We build strong relationships with local communities and receive first-hand information from the people affected. We really get to know each other on a deeper level.’

Growing commitment

In addition to supporting the construction of homes and schools, Holtab has been involved in developing hydropower plants and electricity supply systems, supporting local businesses through microloans and providing equipment for local healthcare facilities.

The Holtab employees will be based in the capital, Kathmandu, where they will stay in hotels. However, when visiting mountain villages such as Jyamrung, accommodation will be more basic, sometimes consisting of tents pitched on open grassland.

‘The villagers take very good care of us, largely because we have built such long-standing relationships with them. Being part of the Nepal group and having the opportunity to travel there is an incredibly rewarding aspect of my work. It feels good to know that we can help improve people’s everyday lives,’ Moa concludes.