Although the government has been investing in programs aimed at raising the awareness of people on the importance of quake-resistant houses, in want of the promised grant to build such homes, many people have begun erecting houses following traditional methods.
“The government has not provided us the grant and the loan to construct a proper house, although 10 months have already passed since the earthquake,” said Sonam Gale, a local of Gerkhu VDC. “We can no longer rely on the government for building our houses. Since monsoon is approaching, we have to build a shelter with available resources,” he added.
Houses built using stones, mud, and timbers are not considered safe during earthquake. However, many locals said they do not know how to build quake-resistant houses.
Bhagwan Bhatta, another local who has already built a one-storey mud and stone house, said, “If we wait for government support for constructing quake-resistant houses, we may have to take shelter in tents and tarpaulins for over two years,” he said. Bhatta said he could not wait as he has small children and elderly people in the family. "It is definitely a lot better than living in makeshift tents,” he added.
Quake-resistant houses must be built using construction materials, including rod, cement, stones and sands, that meet the specifications set by the government.
“A majority of people don't have the budget to purchase such materials. How can the government expect us to build quake-resistant houses?” said Palden Lama of Valche.
“The government has not provided us with the promised grant amount of Rs 200,000. Hence, we cannot construct houses as per the government's set criteria,” he added.
Related story
Reviving traditional round houses for attracting tourists
