Reconstruction Begins on Burned-Out Minister's Residence in Bhaisepati Amid Delays

Kathmandu. The formal process for the reconstruction of the Minister's Residence in Bhaisepati, which was reduced to ruins during the Jyanji movement on Bhadra 23/24 last year, has officially begun. The Federal Secretariat Construction and Management Office has called for tenders for the reconstruction of 11 blocks in the first phase.

This state-of-the-art residential area, completed at a cost of 1.03 billion rupees, was destroyed by arson and vandalism by protestors shortly after its completion. Spread over 96 ropani 10 aana, the area included facilities such as a community hall, gym, and swimming pool, where ministers had only started moving in from Shrawan of 2082 BS.  

With the property built at the cost of billions just a year ago turning to ashes in a moment, the government is under pressure to make the upcoming reconstruction fast and effective.  

Reconstruction Needed for 26 out of 27 Buildings

According to Chakravarthi Kantha, Chief and Superintendent Engineer of the office, 26 out of a total of 27 residences in Bhaisepati are completely destroyed. 'The Defense Minister's residence sustained comparatively less damage,' Engineer Kantha said, 'This can be made habitable after minor maintenance, but the remaining buildings need to be reconstructed.'  

The office has already called for tenders for the reconstruction of the 11 most damaged and prioritized blocks on the 11th of this month. The last date for submitting tenders is set for the 19th. He stated that the reconstruction of these 11 blocks will be completed by the end of Ashar of the current fiscal year.  

Engineer Kantha said, 'We have called for tenders under the provision allowing procurement in special circumstances. The last date for submitting tenders is set for the upcoming 19th. Although there are some public holidays due to elections, we will expedite the evaluation and move forward with the work soon.'  

The office aims to complete the reconstruction of 11 blocks by the end of Ashar of the current fiscal year by accelerating the construction process. Consultants are finalizing the design and preparation work for the remaining residences. Engineer Kantha informed that the reconstruction process for those blocks will commence as soon as the study reports are received.  

Housing Challenge for New Ministers

The government will be formed after Falgun 21. However, where the new ministers will reside is a central concern. On Bhadra 24, after protestors surrounded the Minister's Residence, the then ministers were rescued by the Nepali Army via helicopter and moved to a safe location. Following this, protestors set fire to the Minister's Residence.  

On the same day, after then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, the ministers in the interim government have been staying in their own residences if they own homes in Kathmandu, or in rented houses or hotels if they do not, due to the lack of housing arrangements. Then-Education Minister Dr. Mahabir Pun conducted his duties from the ministry itself.  

But how the housing for the incoming new ministers will be managed has become a matter of public interest. The management of housing for the ministers of the new government to be formed after the House of Representatives election appears challenging. Engineer Kantha stated that discussions are underway regarding alternative arrangements as the Minister's Residence is not ready immediately.  

'Those among the incoming new ministers who have houses in Kathmandu will stay in their own homes. For the rest, one immediately available residence and two residences belonging to the Prime Minister can be utilized,' Engineer Kantha said. According to him, discussions are also ongoing with the Prime Minister's Office to rent houses for 2 to 4 months as a temporary arrangement for the ministers.  

Previously, the Minister's Residence was located in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, in 14 buildings constructed in 2028 BS and 5 additional buildings added in 2054 BS. However, as those buildings became dilapidated and narrow, the grand structure in Bhaisepati was built. The old buildings in Pulchowk are currently being used as residences for judges.