Reconstruction work at snail's pace in Bhojpur district

BHOJPUR: Three years have passed since the devastating earthquake hit the nation in 2015. However, the reconstruction work has failed to gain momentum in Bhojpur district.

The quake victims have delayed their reconstruction work as they have not received full relief amount meant to be distributed to the victims in the district even after three years have elapsed since the mega earthquake.

The quake victims would be eligible for second installment after engineers submit their recommendations to the Department of Urban Development, as per the guidelines. Engineers are to submit their reports after inspecting the houses constructed by the quake victims after receiving their first installment grants.

"We are absolutely confused about the model of the house," quake victims lamented.

One of the locals Krishna Pradhan said, "Lack of technical knowledge has created problems in reconstruction work for victims who have received their first installment grant."

He further said quake victims are unaware about model of earthquake resistant structures. Meanwhile, the National Reconstruction Authority has sent 23 technicians to survey reconstruction works being carried out, however, only 12 are deputised in the district.

Bhojpur Municipality engineer Roshan Karki said, "Lack of knowledge about work procedure, relief amount, legal procedure, untimely agreement from the local level, lack of qualified manpower among others have contributed to delay in reconstruction work in the district."

Among quake affected districts, Bhojpur is ranked 17th in terms of devastation caused by the quake and after shocks.