My Home – resilient but costly!
Apsara Acharya is a single mother living in Rasuwa with herthree children (two daughter and a son).She was feeding her animals outside her house when the devastating earthquake hit the ground in April 25,2015. Her house collapsed completely and they rushed to the open ground immediately. Apsara recalled, "For about 15-20 days, I was in complete dilemma, totally confused about what to do and what not to do. My family together with other families from our community managed to stay in the tents at the roof top of the house that remained undamaged. We had to struggle a lot with heavy storm and rain."
With the NRs 20000/- relief support from the government and additional some loan from the local women saving and credit group, Apsara managed to clear the debris and build the temporary shelter. Apsara is the only member of her family who earns.
"We had lots of discussions and interactions within our community for rebuilding this house," Sharing about the rebuilding process of her house Apsara said. She added, "Initially we were confused whether we should take the grant through the government or through Lumanti and later we were explained about the reconstruction mechanism."
Apsara Acharya is one of the family in Rasuwa who is being supported by Lumanti for the construction of permanent house in partnership with Cord Aid. Total of 380 earthquake affected families of Laharepauwa and Dhaibung VDC in Rasuwa district are provided grant and technical support along with community capacity building initiatives on disaster risk reduction and build back safer techniques thorough the project.
Technical team from Lumanti visited the housing site and recommended for rebuilding and Apsara received the first instalment amounting to NRs 50000.00 as per the guideline from NRA. She recalled, "I could not sleep on the day while I unload the construction materials but on the day while the door was fixed, I was delighted as I have never thought of rebuilding this house." She added, "The engineers and members from Lumanti visit regularly and advice for the construction which has helped me a lot and I am very happy to build a house in such proper guidance."
Apsara’s new house is in a verse of completion. To complete the house she has taken loan amounting to NRs 400,000.00 from the local cooperative. She said that she is satisfied with the ongoing work of construction and hopes that her family can live a comfortable life once the house is completed. "The new technology has made my home resilient but the investment will be quite high. I am worried of paying back the loan. I feel that I am walking in the dark. Without any tangible plan for repayment, I am taking loan to complete the house." Apsara shared her feeling.
Prepared By: Ananta Raj Bajracharya
Prepared By: Ananta Raj Bajracharya