Financial Grant encourages to build safer home
The announcement of three hundred thousand rupeesfinancial grant from the government, for the earthquake survivors to build their home, has encouraged Rama Devi and her daughter-in-law Kopila Adhikari. "We have never thought to build this house unless the announcement of the three hundred thousand rupees financial grant from the government. Actually we were planning to repair the temporary shelter where we are currently staying." The family of Rama Devi is the resident of Dhaibung Ward 4 in Rasuwa.
Kopila recalled the day of the earthquake, "We were busy with our household works. Suddenly the ground started shaking. Thank God our house didn't collapsed completely. We would have been killed, if the house would have collapsed." She added, "We used the timbers and CGI sheets for our damaged house and build shed like structure – just a roof to be safe from rain, no walls where we spent around 10 – 15 days with great difficulties. Later we build temporary shelter where we are yet staying."
The family has received the first installment amounting to NRs 50000.00 from Lumanti/CordAid and laid the foundation stone. Fund from Rama Devi's son (husband of Kopila) who has been out from the country for employment made it possible to proceed the construction works. Apart from the income from the foreign employment, the family don't have enough income except very little by Ram Hari Neupane (husband of Rama Devi) through farming business.
These days all three members of the family are engaged for the construction of their home from early in the morning till late night. Ram Hari Neupane looks after the construction works and female members of the family has to prepare food for the masons every day. They are also contributing their labor for the construction after they complete their household responsibilities. Rama Devi said, "Apart from our household works, we have to fetch water from the source down there. We also need to carry construction materials like sand, stones and aggregates. We remain busy the whole day."
They wish to complete the construction as early as possible so that they can have good pleasant stay. Kopila said, "We are convinced that the building should be safe enough and we should follow every suggested technology that makes our home earthquake resistant. But on the other hand, it is too costly. It has become problematic in bearing the expenses. He (Kopila's husband) wishes to return back but he is compelled to stay abroad just for the fund." Kopila added, "We have thought to take loan from the community but there is no one to provide. We are also thinking to sell the livestock we have to clear the due to the mason working here."
The moment indeed would be the most pleasant and glorious for the family members while they will be able to shift in their new home. Kopila said, "Certainly we will be highly relief. We will definitely arrange house warming celebration. At the same time we will have the biggest worry for paying the due to the mason."
Prepared By: Ananta Raj Bajracharya
Prepared By: Ananta Raj Bajracharya