Air of new hope inside Kharipati temporary shelter: Squatters hope stable life ahead

Kathmandu, May 9: It has been a week since the Nepali Electricity Authority (NEA)'s Training Centre in Kharipati of Bhaktapur has been used as a temporary holding centre for the people evacuated from unplanned squatters settlements from Balkhu, Sankhamul and other areas in Kathmandu.     

The centre presently houses a total of 192 people from 89 families evacuated from the Bagamati River banks.     

Man Bahadur Rai, 84, had been residing in the Balkhu-based squatters' settlement since 2044 BS, nearly 40 years before be brought here. Rai now resides in the centre along with his spouse. Another Gopal Tamang, 72, arrived here in the centre alone. But he says now he developed a family-like bond with Rai.     

Their daily routine in the centre begins with tea and breakfast followed by a stroll around the ground within the centre premises. They have found ample time to interact and chitchat with each other.     

As they said, their stay and facilities available in the centre are satisfactory; but they continue to hope and wait for a safe and dignified resettlement. Tamang said he has no complains for temporary government-arranged food and accommodation facilities meant for them. "But we are desperate for our sustainable settlement."     

in the open space of the Centre, four children of Khusbu Khatun were seen playing. For Khatun, the collective stay is not inconvenient so far. "Instead we have got an opportunity to create a bond and emotional connections among all. The food and accommodation facilities are fine."     

 However, she remains concerned about the education and future of her children and the dignified resettlement of the family and others in the shelter.     

She hopes that the government will ensure the education of her children and others like hers is not interrupted.     

Prem Bahadur Humagain, 56, was a driver by profession. After an accident, he was no longer in the condition to work He thanked the government for managing the food and shelter, but he wants the government to identify genuine ones and work toward guaranteeing employment opportunities and permanent resettlement of them. Since arriving at the centre, some residents have been unable to continue their work.     

A team of lawmakers lately visited the shelter to assess the condition of the residents and the management of the facility. The visit was facilitated by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.     

The lawmakers interacted with the residents and gathered information about their needs and living conditions. President of Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, Samiksha Baskota responded that she found management in the Kharipati shelter was better than expected.     

The shelter has managed facilities such as toilets, open spaces, sanitation, healthcare services and ambulance services. More coordination is required for the children's education, it is stressed.     

Lawmaker Yagyamani Neupane also said that the management of squatters in the shelter is relatively more systematic. "The stay seems convenient, and now the State should focus on their resettlement, education, health and employment, he added.     

Manamaya Bishwakarma said, "Though there are no complaints regarding food and accommodation arrangements." However, she stressed that expectant mothers, new mothers, senior citizens and children require additional support and care.     

The center's management is being primarily handled by the Urban Development Ministry, while the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens and the Ministry of Water Supply are providing necessary logistics and the Office of the Prime Minister is coordinating the overall management process.     

 Office's under-secretary Prakriti Dhakal said the mental health counseling, other healthcare services and medicines distribution have been made available in the centre.     

According to centre's administration chief Bharat KC, multi-grade teaching has now begun at the center for 30 children.     

Preparations are underway to enroll them in nearby schools starting Sunday.     

Jagriti Secondary School's teacher Ramesh Mainali said teachers are ready to volunteer for the children. As he said, the school at present has the capacity to accommodate an additional 40 students, and it is ready to enroll them along with the transportation facilities.     

Administration chief KC said they are concerned about the education of children and aware that their education is not affected. He added that they are working to send them to nearby schools as soon as possible.(RSS)