Dhurmus-Suntali drive for model settlement

Aditya Dahal (Melamchi) / May 13: Nepal’s popular comedy couple Dhurmus-Suntali are constructing earthquake-resistant integrated model houses in Tamang community at Melamchi municipality-8, Giraunchaur of earthquake worst-hit Sindhupalchowk district.

Before this, artist duo Sitaram Kattel (Dhurmus) and Kunjana Ghimire (Suntali) had established integrated model settlement for quake-hit people at Pahari village of Kavrepalanchow district in the aftermath of the 25 April 2015 earthquake.

They are constructing 64 houses with a community hall at the Tamang community of Giranchaur as a relief for economically weak and backward communities, said Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation Chairperson Sitaram Kattel.

He shared that the construction of the houses has started since last Wednesday in a way to accommodate 515 dependant members of 65 families. The to-be-constructed houses will be child-friendly, disabled-friendly and environment-friendly adopting the concept of green city and clean city, Kattel further informed.

He said that they had initiated the philanthropic works of constructing houses for earthquake survivors with high courage when they had limited fund of Rs 174,000 for the same.

The construction of a community building normally costs Rs 1.5 to Rs 2.0 million and each residential house construction requires budget around Rs 690,000, he added.

Artist duo Durmus and Suntali expressed their confidence that the people will also provide cooperation and support to their bid to construct houses for the quake hit-hard.

The National Reconstruction Authority and Ministry of Local Development are collaborating for the construction of 65 houses. The plan is to complete the construction in a way to hand over to the earthquake survivors within October 30, Kattel further shared.

Likewise, some local youth groups are donating their kind labour and support to the drive of integrated settlement construction on coming Saturday under the aegis of the municipality, said Melamchi municipality’s Chief Executive Purna Prasad Dulal. RSS