KATHMANDU: The reconstruction, repair and construction of new structures damaged during the Gen-Z protest of September 8 and 9 is estimated to cost Rs 36.30 billion, according to a government-formed committee.
The estimate comes from a report prepared by a five-member committee led by the Secretary of the National Planning Commission. The committee was formed by a Cabinet meeting on September 21to assess physical damage caused by the movement and prepare a reconstruction plan for public infrastructure.
“As per the reconstruction action plan, an estimated Rs 36.30 billion is required for the reconstruction and repair of damaged public buildings, as well as the purchase and repair of vehicles and other physical assets,” the report states. The total estimated cost stands at Rs 36.30 billion 21 million.
Of the total reconstruction cost, Rs 19.98 billion is estimated for the reconstruction and repair of damaged buildings, Rs 6.16 billion for the purchase and repair of vehicles, and Rs 10.14 billion for the purchase and repair of other physical assets.
According to the committee’s report, the total physical damage caused during the movement amounts to Rs 84.45 billion. This figure represents 1.38 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 4.30 percent of the budget for the current fiscal year.
Of the total damage, 53 percent occurred in the government and public sector, 40 percent in the private sector, and the remaining 7 percent in community and other sectors.
Province-wise, Bagmati Province suffered the highest damage, accounting for 66.5 percent of the total loss. In monetary terms, damage worth Rs 10.24 billion was recorded in Koshi Province, Rs 4.92 billion in Madhesh Province, Rs 56.23 billion in Bagmati Province, Rs 4.01 billion in Gandaki Province, Rs 5.99 billion in Lumbini Province, Rs 620 million in Karnali Province, and Rs 2.40 billion in Sudurpaschim Province.
The report also highlights economic losses caused by the disruption. “Due to the situation created during the movement, losses worth Rs 13.87 billion were recorded in the production of goods and services,” the report states. It adds that 2,999 people were directly affected in terms of employment, of whom 2,353 lost their jobs entirely.
A total of 2,671 buildings were damaged during the movement, of which 79.8 percent were public buildings. In terms of asset-wise damage, losses amounted to Rs 39.31 billion in buildings, Rs 12.93 billion in vehicles, Rs 20.36 billion in other physical property, Rs 2.81 billion in cash and valuable items, and Rs 9.02 billion in other temporary and private property.
The report also documents human casualties during the movement. A total of 77 people lost their lives, including 73 men and four women. Among the deceased, 39 were between the ages of 13 and 28.
Comment