Earthquake survivors in the district have been participating in community physical infrastructure development programme initiated with support from the World Food Programme.

Under the programme, each quake survivor will be provided Rs 4,000 for working for 10 days in a month. A majority of quake survivors who are now living in temporary shelters have been attracted to the new initiative, which is expected to last for four months. According to project officials, the programme

was initiated to ensure food security.

Quake survivors in 16 VDCs including, Salme, Bhalche, Phikuri and Betini, will be benefited by the programme. According to the WFP, 81 projects aimed at developing infrastructures are under way in the district. The total budget of the projects is estimated to be around Rs 190 million.

Ramji Dahal, communication officer with the WHO, said the initiative will benefit locals for a long period. The programme has been launched after assessing the needs of local residents. “It has provided employment opportunities to the villagers,” he said.

Umakanta Bhabha of Bhalche said quake survivors have got job opportunities in their own villages. Three hundred and twenty-two quake-hit families are involved in constructing Takpachet-Bhairamang-Bhalche road. “After constructing this road, we will be able to transport vegetables and grains to nearby markets,” said Kul Prasad Bhabha of Phikuri. Around 11,913 families have been affected by the April 25 earthquake in the district.