MP Sharma Criticizes Government's Inaction on Earthquake Victim Housing

Kathmandu. Communist Party of Nepal MP Gopal Sharma has drawn the government's attention in the House of Representatives meeting, stating that the government is not serious about the safe housing of citizens in earthquake-affected areas. He informed the house about the fact that thousands of citizens in districts like Rukum West, Jajarkot, Salyan, and Dailekh are still living in temporary huts in difficult conditions due to the devastating earthquake centered in Jajarkot in Kartik 2080 BS.

MP Sharma accused the current government of being irresponsible and a mute spectator, whereas the state should provide a parental role to the people affected by natural disasters. He mentioned that according to the detailed damage assessment (DVA) report of the technical team deployed by the federal government, 14,579 houses need reconstruction and 11,559 houses need strengthening in Rukum West alone. Presenting data that 5,496 houses are yet to be included in the system, he urged the government to understand the gravity of the problem. He demanded that the agreements for DVA-affected houses be expedited and that grants be provided after re-evaluating the remaining houses.

He questioned, 'Although approximately 3 billion rupees have been deposited in the authority's account for earthquake reconstruction, the allocated grants have not been distributed. Although the government established an office in Rimna, Jajarkot, work has not progressed due to the lack of deployed manpower. Why are those who rule from the grand structure of Singha Durbar not sensitive to the fundamental right to safe housing of the people?' MP Sharma also strongly criticized the government's recent style of functioning. He claimed that bulldozers were mercilessly run over slum settlements without any preparation or investigation, attempts were made to curb political rights and freedom of expression, and the judiciary was being operated by government requests. He stated that the army was involved in controversy by being mobilized to demolish slum settlements, which is contrary to Article 167 (6) of the constitution.

MP Sharma commented that the government is unaware of the crisis of migrant workers in foreign employment, the rising inflation, and the problems of people's livelihoods. Stating that the government has shown behavior of evading and insulting the sovereign parliament, he accused the current government of walking on a dictatorial, arbitrary, and arrogant path. Urging the government to improve its style of functioning, he also warned that if constructive work is not done in favor of the people, they will be forced to protest.