Dalit and impoverished families in Khandbari Municipality, Sankhu-wasabha, have been left in lurch as the construction of their houses under the People’s Housing Programme remains incomplete.

“The government had started the programme in the last fiscal year, vowing to build houses for the impoverished Dalit families. Now, it’s been 18 months and there is no sign of completion,” said Kumar Bishwokarma, a resident of Ratmate in Khandbari Municipality-8. Thirty-three houses are being built under the housing programme in Khandbari Municipality 8 and 9.

Most of the families who have been constructing houses under the programme said they have yet to receive the third instalment of the housing aid of Rs 153,000. “I have taken loans to construct my house and the interest rate is increasing by the day. When will the government give us our remaining aid?,” said Bishwokarma Dambar Katwal, ward chairman of Khandbari-8, said they have brought construction materials on credit to construct the houses.

“We brought the materials on credit, ensuring the businessmen that we will pay them when we get the budget. But the budget has not been allocated yet. We fear that we may not be able to pay their dues on time,” said Katwal.

Under the People’s Housing Programme, each recipient family will receive a budget of Rs 332,000 to construct houses. But most of the families say they have yet to receive the final trance.

Kamal Khatiwada, an engineer at the division office, said the lack of coordination between the provincial government and local units has led to these problems.