CHITWAN: It would take at least four years to produce 12 billion bricks for the post-earthquake reconstruction of Nepal, according to Mahendra Bahadur Chitrakar, the President of Federation of Nepal Brick Industries (FNBI).

This, on the other hand, would be possible only when existing 850 brick kilns ran smoothly, Chitrakar said, adding that more time would be needed for the production if the ongoing border blockade protracted.

He was addressing the FNBI’s eight general convention Chitwan today.

The brick industry in Nepal have witnessed a big set-back, with only 10 per cent of kilns operating in the season of optimum production at present, thanks to lack of petroleum products, firewood and coal.

As many as 300,000 people working in the industry have been directly affected by the crisis, according to FNBI Vice-Secretary Narayan Sapkota.

According to an estimate, the industry has suffered a loss of around Rs 1.13 billion.

The Government of Nepal had stated that around 12 billion bricks would be needed for the reconstruction of properties damaged by the massive earthquake that struck the country on April 25 and May 12 last year.