Call to resolve problems of landless quake survivors

People’s representatives from municipalities in Kathmandu Valley have called for making policy arrangements to resolve the problems of landless earthquake survivors.

At an interaction ‘policy, progress, problem and future course of post-earthquake reconstruction’ organised by Transparency International Nepal here on Sunday, mayors of Budhanilakantha and Mahalaxmi municipalities complained that it was difficult for them to pass land sketch for earthquake survivors residing on public land.

On the occasion, President of House of Representatives Committee on Development and Technology, Kalyani Kumari Khadka stressed the need to take initiative for policy arrangements as the problems of quake survivors cannot be addressed by an employee, a local level or any committee.

She further noted that the post-earthquake survivors’ woes should be immediately addressed as concerns are being raised demanding protection of survivors. "It needs to be addressed soon as it has been over four year since the earthquake devastated people’s lives and properties".

"Delay in reconstructing and renovating heritages should also be put to an end soon", she stressed.

Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyawali said a directive was already issued to concerned local levels to allow landless people for the construction of house by keeping their records. "The directive was issued in line with the cabinet decision to that end".

TI Nepal Chair Khem Raj Regmi informed the organization has been carrying out several activities on building integrity in post-earthquake reconstruction and renovation in 14 earthquake most-affected districts.

He also urged the people’s representatives to remain cautious to work in an impartial manner.

Member of Parliament Asha Kumari BK underlined the need for the Development and Technology Committee to monitor reconstruction works.

Kathmandu District Coordination Committee Chair Shiva Sundar Raj Baidya said only 12 percent beneficiaries of Kathmandu have so far come to sign grant contract so efforts are being put to address the situation.