As government prepares to start reconstruction of earthquake destroyed properties with endorsement of National Reconstruction Authority Act, experts believe that the government should first concentrate on preparing adequate masons.

They believe that there will be a need of at least 50,000 masons to carry out the reconstruction of private and public buildings. Over 700,000 private and public buildings and structures were destroyed in the April 25 earthquake and its aftershocks.

Speaking at a programme organised by Foundation De France, ASF and A&D in the Capital on Thursday, Surya Bhakta Sangachhen, programme manager at National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), said that due to the lack of adequate trained human resource, there will be problem in reconstructing earthquake resistant buildings. He said that Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, with support from NSET, has developed curricula for the training to the masons.

Sangachhen further said that as the structures damaged in 1933 earthquake were reconstructed by untrained masons, they were not earthquake resistant. “The NSET, jointly with the government, has started the training but it is not enough,” he said, stressing on the need to ensure that the construction is not done in hazardous place.

Also speaking in the programme, Jit Ram Lama, Treasurer of NGO Federation Nepal, said that the reconstruction works cannot be sustainable unless it is linked with income generation of works. He said that proper attention should be given before relocating the settlements as it is complex social and cultural issue.