By Chitra Mijar
Sindhupalchowk, Feb. 21: Twenty-two health institutions are to be rebuilt in Sindhupalchowk that had been destroyed by 2015 earthquake.
An agreement has been reached between the District Planning Office (Building) and the concerned contractors for the reconstruction of the health institutions. The catastrophic earthquake of 2015 had destroyed more than 40 health facilities in Sindhupalchowk.
Chief Engineer of the District Planning Office (Building) Santosh Niraula informed that the health institutions are being built at Rs. 437.38 million. Bids are being invited for the reconstruction of the health facilities in four packages.
According to the District Planning Office (Building), 13 health institutions are being reconstructed with grants from the Government of India and seven from the Government of Nepal. The buildings will be one-and-a-half-storey in modern style. Health services will be provided from six rooms on the ground floor and accommodation will be provided on the upper floor.
Under the first package, health institutions will be set up in Gunsa, Echok, Sipapokhare and Bhotsipa. Kalika Construction has signed a contract worth Rs. 47.57 million.
In the second package, Taksar Construction Services won a contract worth Rs. 68 million for health posts to be reconstructed in Sildhunga, Kalika, Tauthali, Golche and Gumba.
In the third package, the health institutions to be built are Thakani, Sindhukot, Jamire, Bhotang, Banskhark and Pipaldanda. Haviten and New Dragon have been awarded the contract. It has received a contract worth Rs. 141.17 million.
In the fourth package, Hagaam, Fulpingkot, Listi, Thokarpa and Thulodhading, the health institutions to be rebuilt, have been awarded contracts worth Rs. 124.36 million.
Currently, health posts are being rebuilt in Mahankal, Talamarang, Bhotenamlang, Chokti and Sunkhani with the help of Saudi funds. The tender process for the construction of health centre buildings in Marming, Ghorthali, Batase and Balefi Rural Municipality-5 is moving ahead with the budget of the Government of Nepal.
The unit has stated that bids are being invited for the reconstruction of the health posts at Attarpur and Pangertar on the same land with the support of the Government of India.
It has been informed that necessary land is being managed for the construction of the building at the same location at Gati, Bahibise Health Centre. Residents of Sindhupalchowk have expressed happiness over getting health services in the village after the reconstruction of the health institutions. The goal is to reconstruct all health institutions until next year.