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The government relocated Harimaya Jimba to the holding center in Kirtipur after demolishing squatter settlements, but she stated she would not accept the government-announced relief package.
On Tuesday, the government announced financial relief for squatters removed from riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley, promising a one-time payment of 25,000 rupees and a monthly allowance of 15,000 rupees for the following three months.
Officials explained the payments are intended to help squatters rent rooms at the holding centers and eventually secure permanent housing.
However, the squatters have rejected these arrangements, insisting that at least one member in each family must be employed and that the government must ensure permanent housing in Kathmandu before they leave the holding centers.
The Empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee reported that 2,680 families removed from riverbanks have registered their names so far.
Opposition parties in parliament have also condemned the government for demolishing squatter settlements without arranging safe housing.
What do squatters say about the relief package?
Harimaya Jimba, living at the Radha Swami Satsang building in Kirtipur, said neither she nor her neighbors will accept the government’s relief package despite its announcement.
She noted that 136 squatter families residing in and around Thapathali are collectively rejecting the government assistance.
“We have already decided not to take the money. If we had been given at least 35 days’ notice, we could have removed our belongings properly and prevented much hardship,” she explained.
“A postpartum woman was given the same food as everyone else. I myself have a chronic lung condition and had to carry oxygen tanks to the hospital. Being ill for seven days was very difficult. If I had my own home, I would have been able to cook and eat properly.”
She recounted leaving money to rent a house in Kupandol, but the landlord returned it upon learning she was a squatter.
“My daughter left 2,000 rupees as rent for a room, but the landlord returned it after finding out we are squatters,” the 52-year-old Harimaya said.
“It’s not easy to find a rental home. We will only move to places the government arranges across Kathmandu, but we will not accept money.”
The government has currently set up holding centers in hotels around Kirtipur, New Buspark, Machhapokhari, and two government training centers in Bhaktapur to provide housing and food for squatters.
According to the relief package, families of five members receive 15,000 rupees monthly, with an additional 2,000 rupees per person for families with more than five members.
However, the package announced after their homes were demolished without prior notice has not been well received by squatters and their representatives.
Kumar Karki, Chairman of the United National Squatter Front, said, “We are demanding the right to safe housing rather than the small sums offered by the government. We need housing, not 15,000 or 25,000 rupees. This small amount is being given as a way to internally displace us like refugees.”
How long will it take to identify the squatters?
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Machakaji Maharjan, Project Director of the Empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, stated that identification and relief distribution are planned to begin within approximately two weeks.
“We have started preliminary screening and relief distribution efforts. The digital survey commenced yesterday,” he explained.
“It will take some time to compile comprehensive data. Afterward, we will consult the ministry to request the necessary budget. Our efforts continue to transition individuals in holding centers toward long-term arrangements as soon as possible.”
He added the relief package was introduced as a preparatory measure for permanently housing squatters.
“For genuine squatters, we will construct additional land, houses, and apartments for longer-term management. The current package aims to compensate and arrange rent for those whose homes have been demolished and relocated to holding centers,” he said.
“Some have rejected relief due to unclear information. We will work to clarify these issues for them.”
Regarding Harimaya Jimba’s concerns about lack of rental housing, Maharjan said,
“They need safe housing. We understand landlords may refuse to rent due to disputes over money, so the government will arrange solutions and work to gain their agreement.”
Maharjan confirmed that permanent arrangements will be made after full identification.
“Identification covers three generations of squatters. After verifying land and property ownership, long-term management will be finalized,” he added.
He estimated the process will be completed within three months, coinciding with the three-month relief package offered to squatters.
