Trouble when true quake survivors are not identified

Aditya Dahal / (Melamchi) / April 10: The reconstruction is not likely to start early in Sindhupalchowk district though a year has almost elapsed since the earthquake wreaked a havoc in the country.

The earthquake had caused massive damages to physical infrastructure in Sindhupalchowk district. The quake survivors who passed through a painful life due to flood, heavy snowfall, excessive cold and windstorm following the earthquake have voiced their serious concerns to the dillydally of reconstruction works. There is no point for being hopeful that the government would meet its commitment to construct permanent houses to the survivors, they complained.

The temporary huts corrugated with zinc sheets are so fragile that the survivors could not even sleep in the night and live even during daytime with confidence. There is confusion as to how to start the construction of permanent shelters for the quake-hit people.

The earthquake survivors of Gunsa, Bhotang and Bariwa of Sindhupalchowk district who have been weary of expecting the government’s relief and support for reconstruction now have started building their house on their own.

Bishnu Karki of Melamchi municipality-9 said he is in preparation to construct a house on his own by taking loan from bank and financial institution. Likewise, he is compelled to build a permanent new house since his family members are facing tough time In the makeshift shelter.

Locals of various earthquake-ravaged areas have started constructing earthquake-resist houses even by taking loans from banks when the much-expected post-earthquake reconstruction works did not gain momentum, said Melamchi Town Development Committee Chairperson Prakash Shrestha.

The problem has arisen in reconstruction when the real earthquake survivors have not been identified in Sindhupalchowk. The fake victims are not yet identified which is likely to impede the reconstruction works in the district. RSS