Kathmandu: Responding promptly to the recent earthquake that wreaked havoc in several districts, the Nepali Congress (NC) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to construct 100 temporary houses for victims.
This initiative, spearheaded by party leaders and workers, is designed to offer immediate relief to those adversely affected by the disaster.
General Secretary Gagan Thapa declared that the NC would deploy teams to build 100 temporary housing units and an additional 1000 towers as part of the party’s concerted efforts to assist earthquake victims.
Thapa detailed that the first team is set to reach affected areas within 3 to 4 days, with a primary focus on constructing 100 temporary housing units. Subsequent teams, each led by a central member, will follow as the initial team completes its mission.
Each team commits to a week-long engagement in construction work.
Comprising skilled, semi-skilled, and cooperative members, each team will consist of two skilled workers, two semi-skilled individuals, and 7 to 8 volunteers.
To address the shortage of local manpower, the NC plans to source workers from Kathmandu and other areas to bolster construction efforts.
Identifying families in need of housing will be a collaborative effort with local institutions, emphasizing the importance of coordination with local authorities to prioritize the construction of temporary shelters based on the specific requirements of each community.
In a bid to expedite relief efforts, the government has pledged Rs 50,000 for the construction of temporary housing for earthquake victims whose homes were either completely or partially damaged.
Expressing concerns about potential delays in government grants, Thapa urged swift action, emphasizing that the construction of many temporary houses must occur within the month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December).
According to the NC, the estimated cost of constructing a temporary residence is around Rs 40,000, based on the expenses for two model houses.
Jajarkot is reported to have suffered the most human and material damage due to the recent earthquake on November 3, as outlined by the Disaster Preparedness and Response Section (NEOC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The NEOC reported damage in 13 districts, with 26,557 houses completely destroyed, 35,455 partially damaged, and 154 casualties.