Durbar High School building nearing completion
Kathmandu, May 24
Major work on reconstruction of the historic Durbar High School, which was damaged in the earthquakes of 2015, is over. This was disclosed at a programme organised on the school premises today.
“Major reconstruction work was completed in nine months. Following its full completion soon, students will be able to attend classes in a safe environment,” said Ambassador of China to Nepal Hou Yanqi, who attended the event, adding that China would continue to assist economic and social development of Nepal. Reconstruction is being carried out with cooperation of the Chinese government.
On the occasion, chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction Authority Sushil Gyawali praised the Chinese construction company, Shanghai Construction Group, for completing the project on time.
School principal Hemchandra Mahato said the educational atmosphere of the school would see a boost after the completion of the reconstruction work. In absence of its own classrooms, the school has been conducting classes at Balmiki Campus, Exhibition Road. The 2015 earthquakes had damaged the 162 year-old school building, forcing it to find an alternative place for running the classes.
According to National Reconstruction Authority, Central Project Implementation Unit Chief Eim Narayan Shrestha, total cost of the school rebuilding project stands at Rs 800 million. The Chinese government will probably hand it over to the Government of Nepal in the next seven months.
According to the project deputy chief Dilip Shekhar Shrestha, the Chinese Company, Shanghai, had imported the construction materials, except bricks, from China.
The previous building had three storeys while the new four-storey building is equipped with 45 rooms. Finishing work of the building, including daubing and electrification, is awaited. The new building has features such as a computer lab, a library, a drawing room, an auditorium and a dining hall.
Durbar High School comprises Bhanu Secondary School and Sanskrit Secondary School. A total of 165 students are enrolled at Bhanu school, while 250 students are studying at Sanskrit school.
