By Angel Chitrakar | Director
The Gorkha Earthquake and the two large aftershocks that followed have devastated Khokana and its rich heritage. The town was turned to rubble: 812 houses have been completely destroyed and 355 houses are partially damaged. In total, approximately 80% of the houses in the town are no longer fit for human habitation. It was fortunate indeed many people were on their farms when the earthquake hit, resulting in lower fatalities than might have otherwise been expected.
People have been moved into temporary shelters, living behind their ruined and unsafe houses which are being used to store food and animals. With the help of the local government and few local resources, the dunes of the collapsed houses that was blocking the movement has been cleared. However, the houses that did not felt down during earthquake but completely or partially damaged are still standing as a risk to the health and lives of people.
The objective of this project, to demolish buildings damaged by the earthquake and remove associated rubble and debris to allow regeneration of the community to begin is still relevant. Therefore, in line with the process and work flow, ECCA had series of discussion and meetings with the community and the local committee “Khokana Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Committee (KRRC)” to carry out the demolishing and debris removal activities. It was agreed with the committee that the work will be carried out phase wise with the availability of the fund.
The committee and the ECCA have signed a brief MoU for a year to carry out the activities with distributed responsibilities, in the month of October. It was also agreed to start the first phase of work as soon as possible. Process is being started with the identification of the cluster and the beneficiaries for the first phase. However, further delay is expected starting demolishing activity due to an economic blockade in Nepal: fuel shortage being the major reason.
Nonetheless, we are very grateful to the people who have heartily supported and supporting the cause. We would still appeal more and more people to support rebuilding Khokana.
- Ram Maharjan
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