Gorkha, July 13, 2016:Â Three hundred and fifty people in Gorkha are taking masonry and carpentry training which is expected to teach them the techniques and skills required to build earthquake-resilient homes.
The training guidelines have been approved by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), and the trainees are currently participating in the construction of earthquake-resilient homes in Arupokhari, Saurapani, Swara, Aruarbang and Deurali VDCs.
Narayan Adhikari, chairman of Genius Multi Technical Institute, one of the five trainer organisations, said the objective of the training is to teach local builders, both novices and professionals, the new technology-based construction method.
“The aim is to produce skilled workers to build earthquake-resilient homes in Gorkha,†he said. “We also plan to conduct similar training in Dhading, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Okhaldhunga and Ramechhap districts.â€
Twenty-seven-year-old Sujata Surkheti, who is taking masonry training, said she learnt a lot about building earthquake-resilient homes.
“The training has helped build my confidence as well. I have decided to pursue the profession of a mason after the training is over,†she said.
Besides learning the skills and methods to build earthquake-resilient homes, the trainees are also being paid Rs 250 each as daily wage.
The trainees are divided into groups of 10, each consisting three women members.
The trainer organisations have secured construction permission from the local administration to build homes for the families who were rendered homeless by the April 2015 earthquake. The house designs were approved by the Urban Development and Building Division Office.
Rudra Singh Bishwokarma, who is part of a training team, said the trainees are learning how to build concrete as well as mud and stone houses.
“They are excited to learn new construction skills,†he said.
