KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, amid a function on Friday, laid foundation stone for the Integrated Model Settlement in Laprak of Gorkha district, constructed for survivors of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

Laprak is a village neighbouring Barpak, the epicentre of the devastating quake, which killed nearly 9,000 persons across the nation.

The settlement was constructed with a joint investment of Nepal government and Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRN).

Addressing the function, PM Dahal said that the model settlement would give a new hope and good message to the country and its people.

As many as 444 houses would be constructed in the place whereas the government would make necessary decisions regarding the space required for construction of remaining  150 houses, the PM further said.

Dahal also praised the attempt of NRN members including its President Shesh Ghale for their patriotism adding that it had become an inspiration for everybody.

Welcoming the master plan of the Integrated Model Settlement, Chief Secretary Som Lal Subedi made it clear that the government was ready to cooperate for such efforts in the future.

Meanwhile, NRN President Ghale expressed his commitment to settle the Laprak people to the new houses within a year.

The settlement which is going to be built with environmental-friendly materials would also boast school, health centre, cultural museum and community forest while the houses would reflect culture of the ethnic people there.