KATHMANDU: Seven months after devastating floods and landslides swept through Kavrepalanchok in Bagmati Province, the government has finally initiated a detailed damage assessment of private homes in the hardest-hit area—Roshi Rural Municipality.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak launched the assessment process on Wednesday from Roshi-2, Narayantar, by distributing damage assessment certificates to three affected residents: Dhansingh Lama, Rajan Bohora Chhetri, and Subhadra Senchuri.
Before the distribution, Minister Lekhak visited the flood-affected area to observe the scale of the destruction. Acknowledging delays in the reconstruction process, he pledged faster support moving forward.
“The government will provide Rs 50,000 in two phases for temporary housing and has allocated Rs 35 million for permanent reconstruction,” he said.
On the same day, Rs 73.5 million was released for temporary housing in Kavre, and 18 technicians were deployed to conduct thorough assessments. Three separate clusters have been formed within Roshi to carry out the evaluations.
Roshi Rural Municipality alone recorded 563 damaged homes. Based on technical assessments, the local government will proceed with reconstruction planning and support distribution.
Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal expressed optimism, saying that the detailed assessment will accelerate the long-awaited reconstruction efforts. Dinesh Bhatta, Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, added that victims may opt to begin both temporary and permanent reconstruction simultaneously, provided damage assessments are complete.
The September 2024 disaster claimed 81 lives in Kavrepalanchok, with six still missing. It also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and cultural institutions. Among the district’s 13 local levels, Roshi, Bethanchok, and parts of Panauti Municipality suffered the most extensive losses.
Home Minister Lekhak has directed all concerned officials, including local representatives and the Chief District Officer, to ensure the smooth and timely facilitation of the reconstruction work.
Comment