There has been significant progress in reconstruction work despite the pandemic
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 8
An additional 107,352 earthquake beneficiaries reconstructed their houses in the fiscal 2020-21.
As per the latest data released by the National Reconstruction Authority, 31,359 more beneficiaries have been added to the eligibility list for the government grant while 41,738 beneficiaries have signed an agreement for the grant. Similarly, 47,384 beneficiaries have received the first instalment, 69,010 the second instalment and 92,578 beneficiaries the third and final instalment in the fiscal 2020-21 that ended on July 15.
During the last fiscal, 589 schools, 53 health institutions, 133 cultural heritages and nine government buildings were reconstructed. Nine other buildings of security agencies were also completed during this period.
All the 216 buildings of security agencies that were under NRA jurisdiction have now been completed.
The review report shows that there has been significant financial progress in the reconstruction work during the year despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the Rs 23.848 billion allocated in the last fiscal for reconstruction of private housing, Rs 21.568 billion was spent, which covered 90.41 per cent. Of the total budget amounting to Rs 70.358 billion allocated for reconstruction, Rs 52.977 billion was spent in the year which comprises 75.3 per cent.
In the last fiscal, there has also been significant progress in the reconstruction of public and historic structures. The reconstruction of historic Ranipokhari was completed.
Similarly, all three facades of Singha Durbar were completed and the Prime Minister's Office was relocated to the newly-reconstructed building, while the reconstruction of Dharahara was also completed during the year. The historic Durbar High School, Nepal's first public educational institution, was also reconstructed and classes resumed in the new building premises.
During the period, 46,300 applicants appealed to the NRA Appellate Court requesting for their inclusion in the beneficiaries' list. According to the report, some anticipated reconstruction works could not be completed due to the lockdown for two-and-a-half months before the end of last fiscal. This led to the freezing of some budget. Reconstruction in urban areas could not gain momentum and problems occurred while reconstructing a few schools due to the unavailability of appropriate land.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 9 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
