Building Back Confidence, One Family At A Time

Bijaya Laxmi Maharjan, wife of Chiri Babu Maharjan, sought shelter under a single tent during first 5 days after the earthquake. During this time of post-disaster, the local community of Nagaun worked together to arrange shelter for each other.“It was difficult for my daughters when we lived under a tent. They were unable to study because of all the noise. You could hear between the walls.” On the other hand, BijayaLaxmi’s permanent house lies in the narrow alley further down from community center.

Bijaya Laxmi Maharjan, wife of Chiri Babu Maharjan, sought shelter under a single tent during first 5 days after the earthquake. During this time of post-disaster, the local community of Nagaun worked together to arrange shelter for each other.“It was difficult for my daughters when we lived under a tent. They were unable to study because of all the noise. You could hear between the walls.” On the other hand, BijayaLaxmi’s permanent house lies in the narrow alley further down from community center. The walls are cracked and the roof is left in crumbled debris.In the presence of monsoon rain, water pours in from the cracks and the holes around the building. The need for immediate temporary shelter is crucial to stabilize other aspects of daily life- going to work and attending school. Bijaya’s family concern was covering the financial cost for repairing their permanent house. The main challenge for Bijaya’s family is not only supporting their three daughters schooling but also supporting her brother-in law and his son. Bijaya hasn’t been able to work at her usual job at Bawan community center because of the disheveled state of her house. “When I was working, I earned 4,000 to 5,000 NRs per month.” On the other hand, her husband continues to manage his electronics shop but finances are low because of the slow business. Unable to directly repair the damages, they resorted to the option of building a temporary shelter with technical assistance from.

Bijaya Laxmi’s family temporary house
completed structure.

“After receiving shelter support material which primarily contained CIUD for bamboo frame and cover [CGI sheets], we were able to channel our finance for the construction materials.”Bijaya’s family invested some cashas well for their temporary shelter, and the expenses were on including hiring labor and accessories for construction works. Without a stable temporary shelter, they were unable to live their daily lives in comfort, and so were not in the position to properly plan their next step. The temporary shelter now is relatively better than their prior living situation. “Now that we’re gradually settling into this temporary home, we’ll have the next 1-2 years to figure out our next step. We feel safer and more comfortable in this temporary shelter, but there is lot more that we have to arrange for our daily needs.”

CIUD team member visits Bijaya’s mother-in law
to see the settlement process.

There are many other families in this community who are going through this same situation. CIUD team is working with local communities to help them to have the sense of safety and security, so that the lives get back towards normal, and the communities gain back the confidence to build back their communities – better and by themselves.

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