Melamchi, February 2

One more community integrated model settlement is to be constructed for earthquake survivors at Giranchaur of Melamchi Municipality in Sindhupalchok district.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstruction Authority Dr Govinda Raj Pokharel laid the foundation stone for the community integrated model settlement amidst a function here yesterday. The 150 earthquake-resistance shelters that are going to be built at Giranchaur is the biggest settlement expansion project in the country following the one developed by the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation at the same place before this.

Speaking at the foundation-laying programme, Chief Executive Officer Pokharel said the integrated settlement expansion plan would work as the identity of the country itself and the shelters that would be constructed would be an example of earthquake-resilient houses for the future generation.

He also added that as the integrated settlement that is coming up at Giranchaur is a project that will spread a message about ongoing post- earthquake reconstruction efforts, the local community should extend support and join hands in its construction. Reiterating that reconstruction would be possible if everyone worked together in constructing their quake- damaged houses by using locally available resources, CEO Pokharel said the government would extend possible cooperation in the local rebuilding efforts. He added that the second instalment of the house reconstruction grants had been released to the DDC concerned on Monday to expedite reconstruction works, and the money would be distributed soon.

Giranchaur, which is four kilometres uphill from Sindhukhola under the Helambu Highway, is inhabited by people of different ethnicities. It is a mixed settlement.

Chief of the settlement expansion project Ganesh Tiwari said it would be an exemplary initiative undertaken by the locals for developing a community integrated model settlement at Giranchaur which has a difficult rural topography.