By Madhusudhan Timilsina, Kavre, Apr. 23: It has been five years since the devastating 2015 earthquake shook the entire nation on that fateful day of April 25.

While considerable time has passed since then, its effects still reverberates among several Nepalis who lost their dear ones, their properties or watched historic monuments crumble in front of their eyes. Kavrepalanchowk was also one of the worst-hit districts in Nepal, but like several other places, it too has braved the long journey towards recovery and rebuilding.

Since the quake, several infrastructure development projects such as reconstruction of schools, improvement of health services, conservation of temples and Gumbas, and road upgradation has gained tremendous momentum over the years. Almost 73 per cent of the houses that were flattened have been built back better so far. Likewise, 90 per cent of school buildings have been reconstructed.      

Nepal government had announced cash grant and concessional loan for the victims of the earthquake to rebuild their homes. 

According to the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), the government agency overseeing the recovery and reconstruction, all the households eligible for the grant are provided the funds in three installments.

The NRA’s record shows that of the 74,930 beneficiaries in Kavre, 57,595 have already received their first installment until April this year. However, as per the Local Infrastructure Office at Kavre, 3,954 eligible beneficiaries are yet to sign an agreement to receive the grant.

Likewise, 63,687 beneficiaries are said to have claimed their second instalment. Among them, 166 people who couldn’t build houses in Kavre and residents elsewhere have returned the money.

According to the District Project Implementation Unit, Rs. 17.40 billion has been paid for the construction of private houses alone. Similarly, out of the 535 community schools in the district, 244 have been reconstructed while 67 others are under construction.

Chief of the District Project Implementation Unit, Kavre, Santosh Niraula said that work on 26 health posts are currently underway in various parts of the district.

In the current fiscal year, 11 Gumbas (monasteries) are under construction, and recently building work has been expedited.