It has been a year since Harka Pun from Athabiskot Municipality-14 in Rukum West lost his home to an earthquake. After enduring one winter and a monsoon in a temporary tin shelter, he now fears spending yet another winter in these harsh conditions. Following the destruction of their home on the night of November 3 last year, Pun and his family initially stayed in a tent but have since been living under a tin roof, struggling with the cold and rain.
“It’s been a difficult year. Now, with the weather getting cold again, we’re worried about how we’ll manage this winter,” Pun said.
Months after the earthquake, affected families, who have been living in tents and makeshift shelters, continue to hope for safe, permanent housing. Forced to endure freezing winters in tents and stifling summers under tin roofs, many victims have yet to secure stable homes.
“We haven’t received government assistance to build our homes on time. We’re left wondering how to protect our children and elderly. Just like last year, people may die from the cold again,” said Hiralal Pariyar of Sanibheri Rural Municipality-4.
In the year since the disaster, the government has not introduced a clear reconstruction procedure. Although the Temporary Housing Construction Subsidy Procedure, 2023 was announced, promising a subsidy of Rs 50,000 per household for temporary shelter construction, victims report that the funds have not been fully disbursed.
Manoj Budhathoki, ward chairman of Sanibheri Rural Municipality-4, said that despite provisions for tarps and temporary housing, reconstruction has been stalled due to delays in finalizing procedures by the federal government.
The Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee of the National Assembly recently conducted an on-site study in the earthquake-affected areas. In its report, the committee urged the government to expedite reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts for earthquake victims.
According to the district administration office, there are 34,989 registered beneficiaries across the district. Of these, 32,996 households received the first installment for the construction of temporary shelters, while 2,000 are still awaiting initial support. The second installment has been distributed to 16,000 families. -- RSS
