Release of 2nd tranche grant brings smiles on quake victims’ faces

By Raju Lamichhane,Rukum West, Feb. 19: Earthquake victims in Rukum West district have expressed relief following the government’s decision to release the second tranche of funds for the construction of temporary shelters. 

Many victims, who had received only the first instalment, had already invested additional funds to build temporary shelters.

Fifteen months after the earthquake, affected families still living in makeshift shelters are now hopeful upon confirmation of the second tranche.

Lali BK, a resident of Chepare village, Athbiskot Municipality-14, expressed relief upon learning about the fund release. After losing her home in the earthquake, she and her husband have been living in a tin-roofed shelter, which they built on loans.

She said that after receiving the second instalment of funds to build a temporary shelter\s, she was hopeful of getting support to build  a permanent house.

Similarly, Sushila Budhathoki, an elderly local of Githakot, Sanibheri Rural Municipality-2, shared that she had lost faith in receiving government support for permanent housing after struggling to receive the second tranche for the shelter construction.  

She said the extreme heat during the day and unbearable cold at night have caused various health issues. With the funds now secured, she plans to improve her temporary shelter.

Following the earthquake on November 3, 2023, most displaced families in Rukum West have been forced to live in temporary shelters. Having spent two winters, a summer, and a monsoon in makeshift structures, many rushed to build temporary homes after the government announced grants for shelter construction.

According to the District Administration Office, Rukum West, the second tranche has been released for 31,881 beneficiaries. 

Assistant Chief District Officer Binod Regmi stated that Rs. 7.97 billion has already been transferred to the respective local governments, which would soon deposit the funds into the victims’ accounts.

Despite this, many earthquake victims remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to permanent housing reconstruction. 

Karna Bahadur BK, a local of Athbiskot Municipality-14, said that while the government has given hope, it is yet to deliver on its promises. 

“The earthquake destroyed my home, and a road was built on the remaining land. Now, I struggle to find food and a place to live in. I have no financial means to invest in a new house,” he added. 

Although he plans to add personal savings to the government funds to build a small home, he fears the project may take longer than expected.