The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has started distribution of the third installment of the housing grant to the households affected by the Gorkha Earthquake.

According to the NRA, so far 44 households who’ve already received the first and second tranche worth Rs 50,000 and Rs 150,000 respectively have received the third instalment of Rs100, 000 for rebuilding their houses. 

“Around 98 percent of the households who are listed for receiving the housing grant have received the first tranche,” said the NRA on Wednesday.  These households are from 11 districts other than three in Kathmandu Valley. 

Of the total 554,614 households, 533,691 households in 14 quake-hit districts have received the first tranche of Rs 50, 000 till Tuesday. As many as 1,438 households have already received second instalment to date. 

The NRA started distribution of the second tranche of Rs 150, 000 from the second week of January to those households who had already laid the foundation of the houses.  

The authority has already sent funds for second instalment to quake-affected districts.  

“The households that have started laying the foundation of their houses as per the government guideline will instantly receive the second instalment,” said NRA Chief Executive Officer Govinda Raj Pokhrel. 

Tech training on quake-resilient building

The Poverty Alleviation Fund has launched a training programme in Nuwakot district for constructing quake-resilient buildings. A total of 25 people will be trained in the first phase, Fund’s Vice-chairman Yam Bahadur Thapa said, adding that it plans to provide training to around 500 persons. The plan is to train 4,500 in 12 quake– affected districts within the next 45 days, according to Fund’s Executive Director Nahakul KC. Teams comprising 70 engineers will be mobilised to execute the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Special Programme. The programme will be launched in Dhading, Dolakha, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Ramechap, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk, Solukhumbu, Sindhuli, Okhaldhunga, Khotang and Lamjung.