One of the greatest challenges people affected by the earthquake are facing is the economy. With agriculture as their main source of income, most are not in a position to save money for rebuilding or even apply for a loan. Their only solution is, therefore, to know how to use the sparse government grant and to be clever in their reconstruction methods.
During the meeting, we discussed with the people of Chohel Nani how they could best rebuild with the funds they have. Having calculated the expenses of a model house in traditional style the residents were made aware of the expenses of such a house in new materials (NRs. 5,288.76 per square feet) but also how they can make such a house more affordable.
Recycling materials from their old houses when demolishing, and at the same time making sure the material is of good quality, is the most important aspect of keeping the cost down. Discussing in detail how this could be done as well as pointing out the benefits of collective cooperation created interesting and fruitful discussions.
Being a strongly linked community that is genuinely concerned about everyone’s well-being and reconstruction process, they suggested sharing the workload and economic issues by reconstructing together rather than one by one. Discussing the stages of a collective incremental building they were excited to see how they could rebuild not only their homes but their community.
With additional assistance from Shikshya Bastola from the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), we could also discuss how they can partake in masonry training, how the government grants are distributed and what they need to seek funds from other institutions.
Resilience by design: Bungamati 