By Netra Shahi, Khalanga, Mar. 14 : Construction of houses for 250 destitute people under the Citizen Housing Scheme at Jumla has now reached its final stage.

According to the Infrastructural Development Office, Jumla, earthquake-resistant prefabricated houses are being erected with government investment as relief for the economically deprived people who were rendered homeless during the devastating 2015 Earthquake.

As per Rup Bahadur Rawal, Chief of the Infrastructural Development Office, Rs. 336,000 per person has been allocated by the Federal Government for the construction of houses.

So far, the first and the second installments of the budget have been provided to the denizens. Out of the total Rs. 87.5 million budget, Rs. 84,000 has been offered to the eligible individuals in the first installment and Rs. 65,000 in the second installment has been transferred to their bank accounts.

For a long time, the locals here have had to bear the brunt of delays in construction.

But with the Citizen Housing Scheme swiftly gaining pace, positive change is afoot.

Unfortunately, according to the Infrastructure Development Office, the Programme has run out of funds to pay the remaining third and fourth installments. “There’s a dearth of around Rs. 49.9 million. We have requested the Federal Government to address this issue,” said Chief Rawal.

As of late identification of people eligible for the housing scheme has become much more effective. The people’s representatives and the concerned local levels have been proactive in prioritizing areas with more indigenous community concentration.

Locals are ecstatic over the government’s support towards building houses.

“The housing programme has come as a huge relief,” expressed Hari Singh Damai of Tatopani Rural Municipality Ward No. 2.

Likewise, another local from the same place, Kanna Kami, acknowledged and appreciated the local authority for financial assistance to the marginalized community and for providing roof over their heads.