Everything has a price

24/04/2008David and Jenny Browell, BMS mid-term workers in Nepal, give a glimpse of what life is like for millions of people in that country at the moment.

Life in Nepal is getting harder for the poor. Over the past few months, prices have soared; the costs of rice and vegetable oils have increased by about 50 per cent.

These are staple foodstuffs which every family requires. Shortages of food and fuel continue. Eight hours a day power cuts are hitting industry leading to more unemployment.

It is also the time of year when school fees have to be paid. The new Nepali school year is beginning following the Nepali New Year last week. (We are now in the year 2065; 57 years ahead of you!)

Education is ‘free’ but families have to pay for admission charges, uniforms and the cost of all schoolbooks. For a family on average income and three or four children this can add up to two months wages.

One-off and sudden expense can be crippling for families. The cost of hospital treatment for a family member can be ruinous. The mother of a friend of ours fell down the ladder (stairs) in their house. She has had to have a series of operations and a long hospital stay.

The costs amounted to around 100,000 rupees, 18 months income for the family. They decided to sell some land but then the land buyer, knowing they were desperate, drove the price down to an unreasonable level.

Eventually they were able to pay with a discount from the hospital and some donations without having to sell the land. The costs have been met but for many people the consequences can last a lifetime.

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