52 per cent quake-victims rebuild their houses

Kathmandu, June 12

The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) said on Wednesday that about 52 per cent beneficiaries of the post-quake reconstruction process have completed rebuilding of their houses.

"Of the total 767,248 beneficiaries, 52 per cent have completed house reconstruction while 30 per cent houses are under construction. That makes an achievement of about 82 per cent," said Chief Executive Officer of the NRA Sushil Gyawali at the meeting of the Federal Parliament's Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee.

Construction of 405,095 houses has completed and 228,885 are under construction. Of the total beneficiaries, 99 per cent have got the first instalment of the reconstruction grant of Rs. 50,000, 76 per cent have received the second tranche of Rs. 150,000 and 57 received the third tranche of Rs. 100,000.

Padam Kumari Sapkota of Kubinde, Sindhupalchowk stands
in front of her recently rebuilt house. 

"We have been trying to convert the quake as an opportunity and applying 'Build Back Better' approach in rebuilding of the private houses, schools, health facilities, heritage, security agency and government building. Top most priority is given to the private houses," Gyawali said.

He reiterated that the reconstruction of the quake damaged structure would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Lawmaker Khim Kumar BK appreciated the NRA for its efforts in the post-quake reconstruction and requested it to refuse the compliant submitted with wrong information.

Another lawmaker Mahesh Kumar Mahara suggested addressing the issues of the landless people.

Likewise, lawmaker Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi criticised the integrated settlement for not having sheds for cattle. He drew attention that there might have been the misappropriation of funds in the reconstruction projects implemented through the local consumers committee.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 June 2019.