The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its partner the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) has trained 55 masons in Charikot in Dolakha district.

The masons who are going to support the reconstruction plan of the government to build new buildings and retrofit old ones are the first batch of over 5,000 masons to be trained soon as a part of the long-term effort by USAID and NSET.

The April earthquake damaged more than 85,000 buildings in the 14 most affected districts and the government has aimed to train 60,000 construction professionals in disaster-resilient building skills in a wake to address the shortage of trained construction workers.

A statement issued by the NSET on Tuesday said the trained masons from Dolakha district would contribute towards the government’s goal of producing adequate number of trained human resources to support the rebuilding initiatives post-disaster.

The course, organised by Bhimeshwor Municipality in Dolakha, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction and NSET with USAID’s support, includes earthquake basics, site selection and building configuration, quality assurance, construction of earthquake-resistant buildings using stone, brick, reinforced concrete framed buildings, periodic repair and maintenance and an introduction to seismic retrofitting.

“Stronger homes, schools, hospitals, offices will form the foundation for Nepal’s earthquake recovery. Skilled builders who have the knowledge and tools to build back safer houses will play a critical role in that recovery,” said Beth Dunford, director, USAID/Nepal Mission.

Since the April 25 earthquake, the US government has committed over USD 130 million in relief and recovery assistance to earthquake-affected areas in Nepal.