The Ministry of Local Development and Federal Affairs on Sunday directed secretaries of Village Development Committees of all the 14 districts worst affected by last year’s earthquake not to leave their stations until the reconstruction and rehabilitation works gain momentum.

The ministry’s move followed complaints from various districts that VDC

secretaries had been absent from their work stations, causing difficulties to quake survivors in receiving the rebuilding aid.

“The directive was issued after VDC secretaries were found to be providing their services by setting up liaison offices in the district headquarters even though they were required to be at the VDC office to help speed up the reconstruction works,” said Minister for Local Development and Federal Affairs Hit Raj Pandey.

The directive was prepared after consultations with District Development Committees of the 14 districts concerned. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has expressed a grave concern over the absence of VDC secretaries from their work stations, the ministry circular said.

Minister pledges support for rebuilding

Nuwakot

Minister for Urban Development Arjun Narshing KC has pledged support to the Nuwakot folks’ plan to rebuild their quake-damaged houses around the Nuwakot Palace in traditional design.

Addressing an interaction programme in Bidur on Sunday, Minister KC said he would make efforts for the construction of a heritage village in Nuwakot that is of tourism and cultural significance.

KC assured all possible support from the Ministry of Urban Development

for the preservation of the cultural heritage, including the Nuwakot Palace.

A total of 420 quake-damaged houses across Bidur Municipality 2 and 3 will be rebuilt in similar style but the design will be traditional, according to Nuwakot Heritage Village Chair Pushkar Sharma Rimal.