The government had built the one-story structure for Bhattarai at Badegaun of Lalitpur, some 15 km from Kathmandu, two years ago. Bhattarai had shifted there one and half years ago. [break]
The front yard of the main building caved in following continuous rain for the past few days. With this cave-in, the compound wall built some four months ago has collapsed. All four corners of the house have also caved in. Water has been leaking in all the rooms of the main building including the kitchen.
"The entire building has developed cracks following the rain," said Amita Kapali, personal assistant to Bhattarai. She said the problem was first seen on August 24 morning. "We were at first scared on seeing the problem and couldn´t decide what to do. Finally, we decided to seek help from the media and informed media persons to visit the damaged site."
Bhattarai, the octogenarian NC leader, was shocked by the cracks and water leaking at his residence. "I spent 14 years in custody. Do you think this is the way the government should treat an old politician?" Bhattarai asked journalists. "I am unhappy over what has happened at my residence."
According to Kapali, Sushil Babu Shrestha had constructed the building. "The construction of this house is so poor that every spot inside is affected by leaking," she added. "Both the contractor and government officials of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction are responsible for this."
The back part of the house has also subsided. There is a small temple in the back of the main structure. The ground beneath the temple has subsided. Three places in the yard have developed cracks.
"Anything can happen now," Kapali, who seems restless, said. "We are looking for an alternative building to shift from here. Where to shift? How to get support? We are dismayed by all this."
Following the development of cracks at the building, she contacted Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar and the prime minister´s personal secretary, Yadav Sharma.
"The PM´s personal secretary came instantly after my call and inspected the damage," Kapali said. "He assured us that he will brief the PM about the problem and try to find a solution."
She said Sharma was also surprised to see the kind of corruption that has taken place in the construction of the building. "What could be the situation in other places if such a serious problem takes place at a building where a former prime minister is residing?" Kapali quoted Sharma as asking.
According to Kapali, Gachchhadar was indifferent to the problem. "I also contacted Gachchhadar and informed him about the problem caused by the negligence of officials at his ministry," she divulged.
"I was not construction minister when the building was constructed. I therefore could not help you now," Kapali quoted Gachchhadar as saying.
Following the cracks, security personnel deployed there did not sleep last night, said Kapali. She urged government officials to show seriousness toward the problem and initiate necessary steps to ensure safety. She also asked the government to arrange alternative shelter for Bhattarai.
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