Quake survivors, including those from the Chepang community, of Gajuri, Banighat and Dhusha VDCs in Dhading district have been reconstructing earthquake-ravaged infrastructure in their villages as part of a ‘food for work’ programme initiated by the District Disaster Management Committee.

As part of the programme, the quake survivors have been involved in rebuilding roads, foot trails and drinking water pipeline.

Local Development Officer Bhagawan Aryal said that the quake victims are paid in cash for their involvement in reconstruction work.

“The community physical infrastructure development programme has been started with the participation of the locals,” he said. Under the programme, each quake survivor will be paid around Rs 15,000 for working for 29 days.

Executive Director of Prayas Nepal, Damodar Aryal, said they have allocated Rs 60 million for the quake survivors of the three VDCs.  

Social campaigner Seeta Ghale said a young person, a senior citizen and a woman from each household have been engaged in the programme.

Ghale said they funds have been established also for new mothers, people with disabilities and those senior citizens who cannot extend their services. There are around 600 new mothers in the three VDCs.

Repairing rural roads could be of immense benefit, said Sanjaya Silwal of Dhusha-8, adding that it would make easy for them to take their agricultural products to the nearby market.

After the completion of the programme, the DDMC will also invest some money to start micro enterprises in those areas.