Nagarik: How did you end up coming to Kathmandu?
Bob Parker: Last September we had a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, but no one was killed. A lot of people were curious to know why there were no casualties. It happened at 4am and most people were asleep at home, yet no one died.
Aside from that, my trip to Nepal has special meaning because Nepal and New Zealand have historical ties thanks to the bond created by Hillary and Tenzing.

Has New Zealand always been so prepared?
Yes, there has been a lot of emphasis on preparedness since the great earthquake of the 1930s when about 100 people died. That is when we drew up a building code and we enforced it strictly. Infrastructure projects are also designed with earthquakes in mind. There is a mandatory insurance policy for urban housing. The September earthquake was very strong, it caused $10 billion worth of damage. We are still in the reconstruction phase, and will finish that in two years.

What would happen if a similar earthquake were to hit Kathmandu?
It is very unfortunate, but I have to say that there will be a lot of lives lost. Many historical buildings will be reduced to rubble, it will be a huge calamity. You need strict monitoring of building codes.

What should be the role of elected representatives?
Mayors are elected, and to be elected means they have to be accountable to citizens. There is a big role for local councils in the post-earthquake scenario. I was re-elected after the earthquake, and perhaps wouldn't have been if I had not done my job.

What should the municipality do?
Nepal also has a building code. There are rules and regulations. But I hear the enforcement is very weak. The construction industry is also not up to mark. I believe municipalities and local bodies have an important role to play. We get everyone involved: sports clubs, schools. We treat every household as part of a family and empower each other to be prepared and to help after the earthquake.

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