Nepal mobilises 1,300 engineers to rebuild quake-hit buildings

Nepal will mobilise over 1,300 engineers this week as part of its post-quake reconstruction efforts, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced on Wednesday.

"We are entering into reconstruction but the country cannot be rebuilt until people and leaders are fully committed in the matter. I am confident that the engineers will work with honesty to rebuild the quake-resistant houses," Oli said addressing a meeting of National Reconstruction Authority.

Oli said a large number of volunteers will be mobilised in the 14 affected districts to assist the engineers in the reconstruction works. Nearly 800,000 houses were damaged in the devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake on April 25 last year causing an estimated damage of US $7 billion. The international community has pledged US $4.1 billion in financial aid to Nepal.

The prime minister said the government is committed to bringing the quake-affected people under roofs before the monsoon seasons begins.

The government is introducing community settlement plans by building temporary houses for the affected people. Millions of people have been forced to stay in tents for the past year after the quake. Engineers and architects who are selected on merit will remain in their designated areas for two years. They will begin the task in the affected districts from this weekend.