KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday called for expediting the reconstruction campaign with confidence.

At a programme held at Swoyambhunath, PM Oli conceded that the reconstruction could not accelerate even a year after the massive earthquake and pledged not to delay it anymore.

"People are facing difficulty and deprived of facility, so I have instructed the concerned authority for ramping up the reconstruction campaign," PM Oli said, and stressed further, "Let us all work for it with confidence so that we can rebuild and develop the country."

He said rebuilding around 800,000 houses destroyed in the earthquake was a difficult challenge even if the government extended the grant, hence needing a plan for construction of communal shelter.

The PM added that the sluggish start of the reconstruction work is to be blamed also on the delay in the formulation of laws. He expressed belief the overdue work would gain pace citing that reconstruction was already underway in more than 10 districts.

PM Oli also called for preserving the historical art, religion and culture that are the 'wealth of our belief '.

Archaeological Department Director General, Bhesh Narayan Dahal, said the cost-estimate for reconstruction of the Swoyambhunath was set at Rs 17.1 million. The budget is for reconstruction of five heritages and 24 Pujari Ghars (houses for the priests).

The Anantapur, Dev Dharma Mahabihar and Tanshigorma Mahachaitya built by Pratap Malla, the then King of ancient Kantipur, were damaged during the earthquake.

Swoyambhunath Management and Conservation General Committee Chairman, Sarwagya Ratna Tuladhar, said the government should prioritise reconstruction of the cultural monuments.

Senior leaders of the four major political parties would launch the reconstruction work in four important heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley to mark the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake.