KATHMANDU: Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota pledged to provide 90 per cent discount on timber to survivors of the April 25 earthquake victims for the construction of new houses.

In an interaction programme organised by the Reporters' Club on Friday, Sapkota informed that the government prepared a project to distribute the timbers to earthquake survivors for the construction of houses.

After implementation of the project, those affected by the quake will get subsidised construction materials, informed Sapokta.

The government is even planning to lessen the prices of firewood that government is providing from four different places to give public a relief at a time of fuel shortage caused by the Indian blockade, stated Sapkota.

The Forest Minister further said the government has maintained a friendly environment for the dialogues, therefore the agitating Madhesi parties should come for talks. Otherwise, the things will run out of their control, the Maoist leader warned.