GORKHA, May 5: Two years have passed since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of April 25, 2015. Yet, the wounds it inflicted are still fresh on the minds of the quake survivors of Gorkha district, the epicenter of the quake that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured about 22,000 others, not to mention the tens of thousands it made homeless.

Ignoring the pain of losing their beloved ones, locals of the epicenter district are putting up brave faces in front, thanks to the upcoming local election which is being held after a hiatus of nearly 20 years.

With the first phase of the elections now just nine days away, Gorkha quake victims are forgetting the discomfort of staying inside makeshift tents for over two years. In the election, they are seeking candidates who can help them to rebuild their quake-ravaged houses, rid them the unnecessary hassles to obtain the government's quake grants, and bring developments at the village level.

One such dreamer is Bel Bahadur Tamang of Sirandanda in Ajirkot Rural Municipality-3.

Political leaders and cadres visit his house almost on a daily basis, requesting for his vote. “I have been living in a makeshift tent for two years already. Election candidates come to me and ask for votes, promising development. If I feel that a particular candidate will help us erect our houses, I'll definitely vote him/her.” he said.

Receiving the government-promised quake grants in a hassle-free manner is a common wish of the thousands of quake victims. There are hardly any victimswho are satisfied with the pace and process of receiving the grants. The lengthy procurement process coupled with ever-present bureaucratic hassles has always been their major complaints.

Places at higher altitudes of Gorkha are still deprived of basic facilities such as access to transportation. The devastating earthquake and its aftershocks have not spared the houses in these areas as well. In the lack of road access, quake victims in the area face difficulties in transporting building materials to repair or reconstruct their damaged houses. 

And for that too, they eagerly look forward to the upcoming elections hoping that even a basic road would drastically ease up their rebuilding process. “Candidate who can build a road will win our hearts as it would drastically help us in transporting construction materials,” said Tamang.

An elderly citizen, Sher Bahadur Adhikari of Deurali in Gorkha Municipality-13, has high hopes on this election. “I have voted in almost all the previous elections. And I'm planning to exercise my voting right in this election as well,” said the 70-year-old.

“The winners in previous elections failed to live up to our expectations. This time, the one who is able to help us rebuild and blacktop our muddy roads will get my vote,” he added, pointing at his temporary shed. Likewise, he also wishes to see water crisis in the village solved and employment opportunities in the village level, stating that people will vote for a candidate who will stay with them in plights and prosperity.

Bishnu Kumari Adhikari of Deurali hopes to give finishing touch to her house which is currently under construction. With election of local representatives, she hopes to receive the second tranche of reconstruction grant and resume the construction.

 
• quake victims
 
• elections