Congress MP Krishan Bahadur Rokaya Demands Immediate Reconstruction in Earthquake-Affected Districts

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress MP Krishan Bahadur Rokaya has demanded that the government immediately start reconstruction work in the earthquake-affected districts centered in Jajarkot. He made this demand while speaking at the National Assembly meeting on Friday.

He said that it is extremely sad that reconstruction work has not progressed even after two and a half years since the earthquake occurred. He expressed his objection, stating that the government has not allocated the necessary budget for post-earthquake reconstruction in the upcoming fiscal year's budget.

He drew the government's attention to the fact that the estimated cost for reconstruction in the Jajarkot earthquake-affected areas is approximately 22 billion rupees and urged for the assurance of resources. During the meeting, he said, 'It is a sad matter that reconstruction work for earthquake-affected families in Jajarkot and Rukum West has not started even after two and a half years since the earthquake centered in Ramidanda, Jajarkot, occurred on November 4, 2080 BS. The estimated cost for reconstruction is a total of 22 billion rupees. Currently, there is 27 million rupees in the Disaster Management Fund. Although the Honorable Finance Minister has stated that resources have been managed for post-earthquake reconstruction, the budget is not visible in figures. In Rukum West alone, approximately 19,000 beneficiaries have been identified after the DDR. I strongly demand from the government through the Honorable Speaker to advance the post-earthquake reconstruction work in Jajarkot and Rukum West.'

Although detailed damage assessments of the affected districts have been completed and wards have sent their details, reconstruction has not yet gained momentum. He seriously drew the government's attention through the parliament, stating that the earthquake victims are in distress because the amount is not visible in actual figures, despite claims of resource management in the budget speech.