Relief efforts underway for fire victims in Halesi Bazaar
The Khotang Chamber of Commerce and Industry has contributed Rs 51,000, while the Khotang Natural Disaster Relief Fund has provided Rs 40,000 to the municipality.
KATHMANDU: Relief efforts have commenced for the victims of the devastating fire in Halesi Bazaar.
The Khotang Chamber of Commerce and Industry has contributed Rs 51,000, while the Khotang Natural Disaster Relief Fund has provided Rs 40,000 to the municipality.
Rajan Acharya, Chair of the Khotang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the funds have been handed over to the municipality’s disaster fund to be distributed through a streamlined one-door system.
“Following the municipality’s decision to manage relief through a single channel, we have passed the funds directly to them,” Acharya said.
Similarly, the Khotang Natural Disaster Relief Fund has transferred Rs 40,000 in cash to the municipality, as confirmed by fund treasurer Yugasan Kirat.
The donation was handed over by a team led by Bhogendra Rai, the president of the Natural Disaster Relief Fund, which was established by the Khotang Sewa Samaj in Hong Kong. The funds were received by the municipality’s accounts officer, Navaraj Katwal.
In addition, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality has made a significant decision to support the fire victims.
Elected officials will have two days’ allowances deducted, civil servants will contribute two days’ wages, teachers one day’s salary, and contract staff one day’s pay. Kamal Giri, the municipality spokesperson, confirmed that the decision aims to bolster the disaster fund.
“On Feb 17, the Disaster Management Committee, chaired by Mayor Bimala Rai, met and agreed to use the one-door system for relief distribution. They also authorised the collection of funds through the municipality,” Giri said. “The contributions will come from elected representatives’ allowances, civil servants’ wages, and teachers’ and contract staff salaries. We have also introduced a QR code for those wishing to donate further.”
The fire, which broke out on the evening of Sunday, Feb 17, has caused an estimated loss of Rs 73 million, devastating property and assets in Halesi Bazaar.
