The consultant brought in to assess the situation of Singha Durbar’s main building will submit its report to the National Reconstruction Authority next week, based on which a call will be taken on whether the building can be retrofitted or needs to be completely reconstructed. The building was badly hit by the 2015 earthquakes.

The consultant was brought in following a dispute among the stakeholders over the process of the building’s reconstruction. While a section of authorities lobbied for the complete reconstruction of the building, citing security vulnerability; others including the officials of Department of Archaeology wanted the building to be retrofitted to keep the historic value of the building alive.

“We have initiated a detailed study to ensure that the building remains safe once it is reconstructed,” NRA Joint Secretary Rajuman Manandhar said, adding that a Nepali company—Infrastructure Engineering Research and Consultant—conducted a study of the building at Singha Durbar and is in the final leg of completing the study.

Prior to this, Digicon Engineering Consult Pvt Ltd—a consultant commissioned by the Ministry of Urban Development to study eight historical buildings—had recommended to reconstruct the building, claiming that just retrofitting would be inadequate.

Those standing against the demolition of the building argued that the consultant made the recommendation without even bothering to test the bricks and soil. Subsequently, the government formed a seven-member committee to oversee the reconstruction of the western part of Singha Durbar.

The authority has invested around Rs20 million for the study.

In a bid to expedite the rebuilding process, a NRA team comprising Chief Executive Officer Sushil Gyewali inspected the building in the first week of September. The chief executive said the historic essence should not be compromised.

KMC and Kasthamandap sign agreement for reconstruction

Kathmandu: An agreement has been signed between the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Kastha-mandap Reconstruction Committee to carry out the reconstruction of Kasthamandap.

Rajeshwor Gyawali, joint-secretary at KMC, and Rajesh Shakya, chairperson of the Committee, signed the agreement on Friday.

Both sides agreed to carry out the reconstruction as per the design approved by the Department of Archeology, maintaining the archeological, historical and ancient value intact.

The KMC has announced a grant of Rs 500 million for the rebuilding of the historical heritage. Preparations are afoot to complete the undertaking within four years. (RSS)