Construction company cites lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic as the reasons behind the delay in reconstruction

KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Dharahara, which collapsed during the massive earthquake in 2015, has to wait for another nine months to be completely reconstructed.

Although Raman Construction had signed the contract with the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) to complete the reconstruction works by October 6 earlier this year, the heritage being rebuilt in a new style has seen  the  completion of structure of only 16 stories of the total 22 stories.

As per its contract with NRA, the construction company had started the rebuilding of the tower two years ago.

The NRA decided to extend the deadline by another nine months although Raman Construction asked for 21 additional months, saying the reconstruction works were affected by the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Project Manager of the construction company, Shyamchandra Shrestha said that the construction works were impacted by the lockdown and delay in the submission of the site map of the museum being built next to Dharahara.

Talking about the work progress, Shrestha said that the construction of the triple basement is underway. The basement can hold 400 small four-wheelers and 700 two-wheelers.

The total cost of the construction which extends over 42.2 ropanis is estimated at Rs 3.45 billion.

 
• Dharahara
 
• Nepal
 
• reconstruction