The reconstruction of earthquake-ravaged health post buildings has finally gathered momentum in Makwanpur district nearly six years after the disaster caused massive destruction across the country.

According to the district project implementation unit of the National Reconstruction Authority, the reconstruction of one health post building has already been completed, four are under construction while works on four other buildings have recently begun. With the reconstruction drive going in full swing, local residents are hopeful to get quality health services from the newly reconstructed buildings.

The Gorkha Earthquake and its powerful aftershocks in 2015 had destroyed the buildings of nine health posts in Makwanpur.

“We have completed the reconstruction of a health post building in Beniti, Bagmati Rural Municipality Ward No. 9, at the cost of Rs 13 million. The infrastructure was handed over to the rural municipality last week,” said Tulasiram Kharbuja, chief at the district project implementation unit. According to him, the newly reconstructed building is also home to a birthing centre.

A temporary health post was set up in Phanparbari Bazaar after the building of Betini health post was destroyed in the earthquake. The residents of Betini had to walk for hours to reach Phanparbari to avail of health services.

“With the reconstruction of the health post building, we don’t need to walk for hours now just to treat minor ailments,” said 70-year-old Chaturman Thadamagar of Betini. It takes around four hours on foot to reach Phanparbari Bazaar from Betini.

According to the district project implementation unit, a health post each in Hetauda Sub-metropolis-19, Kailash Rural Municipality, Chainpur and Raksirang Rural Municipality are under construction.

“The reconstruction of these four buildings will be completed within a few months,” said Kharbuja.

Similarly, the reconstruction of four other health post buildings in Thaha Municipality-11, Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-4, Bakaiya Rural Municipality-2 and Raksirang Rural Municipality-9 has recently begun. The foundation stones for these buildings were laid on February 2.

The government also plans to construct a five-bed health post at Khairang, a remote settlement in Makwanpur, with an estimated cost of Rs 73 million.

Khairang, home to the underprivileged Chepang community, is around nine hours’ walks away from Manahari Bazaar, the nearest market place along the East-West Highway.

“Villagers in Khairang will benefit from the construction of the five-bed health post in the settlement,” said Raj Kumar Malla, the chairman of Raksirang Rural Municipality.