Carrying traditional essence and safety together

Lack of periodic restoration and maintenance of structures is the major cause of structural weakness

Photo: THT

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu

 
Many traditional buildings either collapsed or were partially damaged by the deadly earthquake of April 25. After the quake people have developed the feeling that a reinforced concrete building is much durable and quake resistant than traditionally built buildings. However, experts stated that both traditional as well as modern buildings can be durable and earthquake resistant if built adopting seismic resistant technology.

Any structure built violating or without taking care of the engineering norms are vulnerable to possible damage by quakes. Professionals stated that even  masonry buildings following norms can last for many decades. However, such structures build by neglecting structural strengthening, addition of stories without considering its capacity to bear load are the main cause for their collapse.

There is a clear indication that lack of periodic restoration and maintenance of structures had a major affect on the endurance of structures during earthquake. “People were not aware about periodic structural strengthening and retrofitting of their houses,” said Senior Structural Engineer Rajan Suwal stressing on the need to have a periodic study on the condition of structures and conducting restoration with updated traditional techniques to sustain the buildings. According to him, the government should learn a lesson from the past and should work to strengthen the existing buildings.

“One should not feel that traditional buildings are weaker than reinforced buildings as both structures have withstood and collapsed as well during the quake,” Suwal said, adding that it depends on the techniques being used to construct the building. He stressed on the need to restore traditional buildings to preserve the essence of the culture.

Citing that there could be shortage of required construction materials like timber, traditional styled bricks, mud with workmanship to rebuild massive structures, Suwal said, “The government should give priority to reconstruction and give subsidies if anyone wants to build their residential houses in a traditional way.” Stating that there is a lack of skilled manpower to work with traditional structures, he said, “If the government prioritises work and provides training, the available resources will be enough to work promptly.”

“The raw material and quality of products are a challenge to build masonry buildings,” he said, adding that timber being expensive, the government should work to make it accessible. According to him, constructing traditional house becomes 25 per cent more expensive than constructing using reinforced building.

Researcher in Structural Earthquake Engineering Dipendra Gautam said that reuse of rubble can contribute to restoration of traditional buildings. “We have found that the majority of masonry buildings failed to tie middle walls and front walls and that resulted in their  fall,” he said, adding, “In this regard, if the binding component is done properly, most traditional buildings can be safe and long-lasting.” Moreover, he said that introducing seismic strengthening technology to abide two walls with steel rebars can increase the durability and sustainability of the building.

According to Gautam, the government should conduct special research on typical Nepali styled traditional masonry buildings as the National Building Code lacks specific parameters and design. Pointing out that there lacks timely maintenance and repair works on traditional buildings, he said, “It is very important to elongate the life of these buildings. And the other silly mistake that we all make is haphazardly piling up storeys, which weakens the building.”

Citing that the traditional look of heritage sites and the city is important for preservation of the ancient art and architecture, he said, “The government should focus on maintaining traditional buildings and take out the framework to reuse available construction materials and seismic strengthening technology.”

Published on September 5, 2015, The Himalayan Times THT Property Plus

http://epaper.thehimalayantimes.com/epaperpdf/592015/592015-md-hr-14.pdf 

 

Individual houses in growing demand

Delay in revised NBC and Building Bylaws leave developers in dilemma 

Himalayan News Service
Kathmandu
After the April 25 earthquake, real estate developers have witnessed a significant growth in inquiries for standalone houses. According to developers, customers are now more aware about structures built in a planned way, safe neighbourhoods and well designed houses. Although inquiries and demand for standalone houses is on the rise, developers have not been able to cashin on the opportunity. Developers are compelled to put on hold new projects as they await the revised National Building Code (NBC) and Building Bylaws, which the government is yet to introduce.

“We have taken the earthquake as an opportunity to expand our business,”  said Rupesh Mahato, Deputy General Manager of Green Hill City, adding that they are concerned about the safety of the houses they build. Citing that inquiries for standalone houses have significantly increased, he said, “People have realised the importance of safety that housing colonies provide.”

As the government is yet to introduce the revised NBC and Building Bylaws, he said that customers are in a dilemma whether to place bookings or not at the moment. “With the growing demand, we see brighter future prospects for individual houses,” he shared.

According to Mahato, they have witnessed significant growth in inquiries for properties at Green Hill City, Jorpati. He further said that they have two new projects in the pipeline which are on hold till the new policy arrives. Stating that the price of these houses will not hike much, he said, “As the government’s policy will direct us to maintain more open spaces, mandatory road width and greenery in our projects, it will surely lead to a hike in the price of properties. However, the hike in price will not be severe.” The minimum price of these houses starts at Rs nine million.

Citing that the demand for individual houses after the quake has grown, Bhim Kharel, Advisor of Civil Homes, said, “Over two dozen houses  have been booked post-earthquake and we have been receiving constant inquiries for the same.” According to him, they have opened bookings for individual houses at Civil Homes Phase VII, Sitapaila and two of their projects are in the pipeline. He informed that they have not revised the prices of these houses till date and the starting minimum price of their standalone house begins at Rs 10 million.

“The government’s announcement to develop a smart city has conferred us an opportunity to expand projects outside the valley,” said Kharel.  According to him, the price of the upcoming projects will depend on the revised NBC, minimum evaluation of land, cost of raw material, manpower and home loans.

The government was supposed to introduce the revised NBC by July, how-ever, it has not been introduced yet. “We are working to introduce the revised policy and we will soon send it to the ministry for approval,” said Parikchit Kadariya, Section Chief of the Building Code Section at Department of Urban Development and Building Construction.

With the delay in introduction of the policy, developers as well as end users are hassled. “We are holding up our land acquisition process for three new projects just to make sure that our projects won’t defy the upcoming laws,” said Bijay Rajbhandary, Chairman of CE Construction. Citing that inquiries have grown by 100 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year, Rajbhandary said, the price of individual houses would go up by around 30 per cent with the introduction of the new policy. He also assumes that two and a half storeyed houses built in four to six annas of land will be in demand.

Published on August 15, 2015, The Himalayan Times

http://thehimalayantimes.com/real-estate/individual-houses-in-growing-demand/

Unrefined situation

Limited market and maximum players has the edible oil industry on fire

Sujata Awale

Kathmandu

Despite Nepal being an agriculture based country, the oil industry of the country is totally dependent on imports for necessary raw materials. The demand for refined oil increases by 15 per cent every year which is inversely proportional to the demand of mustard oil. Health consciousness, developing fast food culture and increasing restaurants are major reasons for the increase in demand for refined oil.

Growing demand

"The market for oil is increasing every year with growing purchasing power and awareness about the goodness of refined oil," said Manish Kumar Agrawal, Senior Vice President of Nepal Vegetable Ghee and Oil Manufacturers Association (NVGOMA). However, he added that it is still not sufficient to sustain the remaining dozen or more factories in the country. There are altogether 20 factories across the country, of which only 16 factories are operational. According to NVGOMA, total installed capacity of these factories is 350,000 metric tonnes annually while the market consumption of oil remains at 250,000 metric tonnes.

Citing that Nepali oil was exported to India in the past, he said, “With the introduction of a new policy which entails a supplier to seek prior permission from the government of India, export from the country has come down to nil.”

The question on the quality of edible oil is raised time and again in the market. On this, Agrawal said, “As industrialists have to register the company and product before marketing, we are responsible for our products. However, because of the porous open border smuggling of lower quality products is rampant which leaves no room for accountability,” adding that the Nepal Standard and Nepal Food Quality Control should monitor the market strictly.

According to him, the factory price of soybean oil and sunflower oil for 10 litre packs is Rs 1,070 and Rs 1,009 respectively.

Major hurdles

Despite the growth in demand, industrialists stated that they are facing a hard time as there is cut throat competition among the players. Limited market with maximum players has invited over production and oversupply of edible oil in the market. As the industry depends upon imports, dollar inflation and price of raw materials in the international market directly affects the price of the product in the domestic market. Moreover, like every other industry, the oil industry also faces severe power crisis which ultimately increase the cost of production.

"The government is providing 50 per cent subsidy on 13 per cent VAT and five per cent custom duty since the last six years which has helped the domestic manufacturers survive,” said Sanjeev Kumar Agrawal, President of NVGOMA. However, he further said, “Despite the subsidy, the duty totals to nine per cent which is 2.5 per cent more than taxes in India. Nepali products are not competitive when compared to Indian products which is why traders trade oil illegally from the open borders.” Moreover, he said that the government should step forward to minimise power cuts and put a stop to the undeclared syndicate system in transportation to boost the industrial sector and to make it more competitive in terms of price.

Informing that 20 years ago domestic production of mustard was sufficient for the domestic consumption of oil, Sanjeev said, “With the introduction of VAT in mustard oil, farmers gradually stopped cultivating mustard and soybean for oil production and now we rely 100 per cent on imports for production.”

Room for growth

Stating that the oil consumption in Nepal is still nominal standing at 4.5 kg per person annually, Kumud Dugar, Managing Director of KL Dugar Group said, “There is a scope for growth for the oil industry in days to come. However, the government should solve the problems of power shortage and unauthorised trade of oil.” 

According to him, 30 per cent of products are smuggled through open borders. Citing that the public is still unaware about quality and brands, he said, “The government should initiate campaigns to raise awareness among consumers' about quality. Moreover, the government should take strict action against manufacturers found guilty of substandard products.” Dugar claimed that the company enjoys 25 per cent market share in the edible oil segment.

Industrialists stressed on the need to conduct intensive campaigns and long term plans for the agricultural sector to increase seed cultivation in the long run. Reportedly, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Malaysia and Indonesia are major countries for imports of crude edible oil and seeds; raw material necessary for the industry. 


Published on August 9, 2015, The Himalayan Times, Perspectives 

Power producers lament “worst budget”

Ratna Sagar Shrestha/ THT

Sujata Awale

Kathmandu

The bold announcement that the government made to end the power crisis within three years now seems next to impossible as the budget has not prioritised the energy sector. Though the energy sector can rejuvenate the country’s economy by managing the trade deficit, generating more employment opportunities and enhancing the living standard of people after the destructive earthquake, the government seems indifferent to problems relating to the sector.

As many as 19 independent power producers’ projects directly suffered damage and 14 projects came to closure which resulted in 40 MW power disrupted from connecting to the national transmission grid. Stakeholders said that the government has not offered any relief package and incentives for the energy sector in the budget.

WHAT’S IN THE BUDGET ?

The government has allocated Rs 45.72 billion for hydro-power production, transmission and distribution and Rs 5.49 billion for alternative energy. Though the budget ceiling has been extended as compared to last year, stakeholders said that the allocated fund is not disseminated properly. “The budget does absolutely nothing to address the energy needs of Nepalis in this fiscal year. It did not take a single measure to bring more electricity into the homes of Nepalis,” said Sujit Acharya, Chairman of Energy Development Council. He further said, “Instead of working to reduce the consumption of imported cooking gas or imported petroleum products, the government wasted taxpayer’s valuable resources in funding projects that will probably take 20 years to complete.”

Pointing out weaknesses in the budget, Acharya said, “The Ministry of Finance does not seem to understand that the energy sector budget heading needs to make an impact on the energy situation of all Nepali’s living in Nepal.” He opined that the energy sector would have been positively impacted if the budget announced zero duties on electric vehicles and electric cooking stoves which would have made many people less dependent on petrol and gas based products.

As per the budget, Rs two billion has been allotted to complete the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project within two years. Similarly, Rs 3.37 billion is appropriated to initiate the first phase of construction work of the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project and additional budget will be made available to the project depending on its work progress.

The government will also start construction of Tanahu Hydropower Project (140 MW) and detail design of the Nalsinghgadh Hydropower Project with a budget of Rs 470 million. The budget provides for accomplishment of required preparatory work for the commencement of the implementation of Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and the construction of West Seti Hydropower project that will be initiated through the attraction of foreign direct investment.

“This fiscal budget is the worst budget ever for the energy sector,” said Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman of the Energy Committee at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers and Commerce Industry. He questioned, “Where is the commitment that the government made earlier to eradicate load shedding within three years?” Citing that the government could make it more in favour of development of the nation in this harsh situation, he said, “This year’s budget has come as a confused budget over the earthquake and its issues. It could have been the most effective budget for the energy sector to boost recovery of the nation.”

THE MISSING POINT

According to Pradhan, the budget plans only to provide shelter to the earthquake victims without electricity. He said, “The development of the hydropower sector means more employment opportunities, lights to households and it could also slash the trade deficit of the country by reducing consumption of petroleum products.” He added that the budget allocation of Rs 4.85 billion for portable metallic rocket stoves for the family of earthquake affected districts is the only positive thing.

“There is nothing new that the budget has addressed for the energy sector,” said Khadga Bahadur Bisht, President of Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal. Citing that the budget is abstract, he said, “There is no concrete statement on how and what facilities and concessions will be continued from the earlier budget which is creating confusion among developers.” Complaining that the government has no provisions for projects affected by the earthquake, he said, “We have requested the ministry to address the problem by making provisions to provide soft loans to rehabilitate these projects. This was not addressed.”

According to him, the announcement that transmission lines be constructed through Build-and-Transfer method including the private sector under the National Transmission Grid and commitment to establish an Electricity Trading Company for national and international electricity trade are positive aspects of the budget. “With the establishment of the Electricity Trading Company, the path will be paved for power trade with India,” he asserted.

For the construction of transmission lines, the government has allocated Rs 12.73 billion and committed to solve the problem of land acquisition and tree logging in a coordinated way. NIDC Development Bank and Hydropower Investment and Development Company will be restructured to make these organisations capable of increasing investment in infrastructure.

UNATTENDED URGENCY

The private sector is unhappy with the budget not addressing current issues and problems of the energy sector and the Ministry of Energy (MoE) has also agreed to it. “As we had prepared the budget proposals by the end of March, the budget did not include any of the problems that appeared post disaster,” said Sameer Ratna Shakya, Joint Secretary at MoE. He further said that the budget is bigger in size than the previous year and will benefit projects in the long run.

Informing about relief packages for earthquake affected projects, Shakya said, “Relief packages and provisions will be addressed through the Reconstruction Authority.” According to him, 456 MW Tamakoshi Hydropower Project which was supposed to be completed this fiscal will be completed by the next fiscal due to the earthquake. He further said that it will hamper the target to curtail power cuts to eight hours this fiscal.

Assuring that the government will create a favourable environment for the development of the sector, he said, “Both the government and private sector should fulfil their responsibilities.”

Published on The Himalayan Times, THT Perspectives July 26

http://thehimalayantimes.com/business/power-producers-lament-worst-budget/

 

Prefab gaining popularity

 Market for prefab products witnessed 30 per cent increase

 

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu

After the earthquake that hit the country, the demand for prefabricated homes often referred to as prefab houses is on the rise. Traders claimed that demand has risen by as much as  30 per cent post earthquake. Less time consuming for constructing the structure than traditionally built buildings, light weight, environment friendly, reliable, easy to assemble and dismantle are some key features that have attracted customers  to these products. 

Prefab homes are manufactured off-site in advance using precise engineering. The components are then easily shipped and assembled. Prefab homes were introduced here more than a decade ago, however, they did not appeal to public for residential purpose. After the devastating earthquake struck, people are now gradually taking prefab into consideration owing to safety reasons. As the demand for prefab houses has increased in the market, many new players have also entered into the market.

“Previously, prefab houses were used only in projects like hydropower, schools, colleges, organisational buildings et cetera. But now, people are gradually using it for residential purposes in earthquake affected districts,” said Narendra Maharjan, Business Development Manager at Arati & Company. Citing that the price of prefab houses depends upon design and material, he said, “We have constructed 50 two-bedroom houses in Sankhu where most of the houses collapsed during the earthquake at Rs 250,000. The price may differ with the requirements of customers and design.”

 

According to him, they  face a material and man-power crunch due to the rise in demand. Citing that the government has decreased custom duty on prefab imports, Maharjan said, “This is indeed a positive step towards prefab and will certainly assist in making products more affordable to the general public.” He further said that the earthquake has created a good business opportunity and many companies have put their hands into prefab houses.

“The earthquake has widened the scope for prefabricated products in the market. The traditional mindset that prefab is only for temporary structures is gradually changing,” said Sailesh Sthapit, Site Supervisor at Bira Furniture, which also offers prefab houses.

According to him, the prefab market has witnessed 30 per cent growth after the earthquake. Citing that there is no competition in terms of products, he said, “Though many players have entered this business, they have their own product lines like UPVC, wooden boards, cement, PU boards et cetera. So the competition is healthy.”

Prefab panels are available in different sizes and types. Panels can be obtainable in two- and three-inch thickness. EPS sandwich panel, rock wool sandwich panel, pu sandwich panel, corrugated steel sheet, fibre cement board, et cetera are materials that are used for wall, roof, ceiling and floor. Reportedly, customers prefer cement panel boards which lasts for 30 years.

“We have witnessed maximum inquiries after the quake, however, we do not have as much business as expected,” said Nilmani Sapkota, CEO of Himalayan Prefab. He further said, “As the government is due to introduce a revised National Building Code, people are still in wait and watch mode to decide for construction.” 

Citing that the exemption of custom duty for prefab is a positive decision, he said, “Prefab is still expensive when compared to other materials. Owing to its utility, the government should work to make it more affordable.” Moreover, he stated that manufacturing prefab panels in Nepal still cost 15 per cent more than imports. According to him, the price of prefab panels starts at Rs 1,100 per sq ft which can go up depending upon quality and design.

Traders mainly import prefab panels and boards from India and China. Prefab structures are reportedly also being preferred especially by resorts, schools, colleges, hotels, cafés, showrooms, party palaces and other project sites including residential buildings.

Published on July 25, The Himalayan Times, THT Property Plus

http://thehimalayantimes.com/real-estate/prefab-gaining-popularity/ 

Way to planned urbanisation

 Developers find the budget promising, but still doubt its implementation

Sujata Awale

Kathmandu

After facing huge loss of human settlements and lives owing to haphazard urbanisation on April 25 earthquake, the budget for the fiscal year 2015-16 has adopted various measures to ensure planned urbanisation. As per the budget, land will be allocated to develop new residential colony or settlement by implementing land use policy. Individuals and companies will require prior approval from local authority for plotting the land for residential purpose. Moreover, settlement development will be permitted by ascertaining easy access of basic infrastructures. And integrated and organised settlements will be developed by transferring those areas that were geologically eakened by the earthquake where there is no possibility of resettlement.

The government promises to introduce the provisions to allow foreign nationals to purchase apartments with an ease. The government plans to prepare the master plan to develop Kathmandu valley, Lumbini region and Nijgadh as a smart city. Moreover, budget has allocated for the infrastructure development of 10 modern cities in Mid-Hill highway. 

Real estate developers said that the budget has provided proper provisions to develop new settlements in planned way. “We have been demanding for mandatory provisions to develop managed settlements and planned urbanisation from the beginning. After incurring huge loss of properties in the earthquake, the government is working towards having smart cities and well planned settlements which is praiseworthy,” said Om Rajbhandary, Third Vice President of Nepal Land and Housing Developers’ Association. He further said that the budget has mentioned every aspect to construct new structures in planned way. “Implementing land use policy for residential area, incorporating earthquake resistant designs, mandatory approval for land plotting, strictly enforcing building code and building by-laws to regulate unorganised urbanisation is a step forward to have safer cities,” he added.

Rajbhandary said, “The government announcement to provide refinancing facility and interest subsidy under central bank for the sectors including earthquake affected residential home and businesses have further relieved in the sector,” adding that Nepal Rastra Bank has already announced the measure to have loan rescheduling.

Despite all these positive  commitments, real estate developers still doubt as many commitments in previous budget were merely confined in books. “The government should finalise the directives within the first quarter of this fiscal year in order to implement these policies,” said Rajbhandary, adding that it will also help developers to plan new projects as per the requirements. He further stressed on the need for the implementation of the promised provisions. Being optimistic about the scope of the sector in days to come, he said, “The government has provisioned to have Rs 2.5 million loans to construct completely damaged houses which will create employment opportunities as well as increase the volume of the new housing products.”

“The announcement of the government to allow foreign nationals to purchase apartments with easy process has provided  some relief to apartment evelopers as many developers have suffered by the earthquake,” said Bijay Rajbhandary, Chairman of CE Constructions. He further said, “This provision not only helps boost the sector but  also assists in reviving charm of apartments in domestic market.” According to him, the realty sector will emerge in more scientific and responsible way with the provision to have prior approvals for land plotting for residential purpose. However, he pointed on the need to live up to the promises made by the government for the development of the country.

Complaining that the government could not implement its previously introduced provisions, he said, “The sector could not achieve any significant progress earlier chiefly because of the government’s failure to keep its promises.” He further said that the implementation of announced provisions will depend on how quickly the government responses. 

Published on The Himalayan Times July 18, 2015 

http://epaper.thehimalayantimes.com/epaperpdf/18072015/18072015-md-hr-14.pdf

 

My Interview on 'Moin Uddin Show'

Moin Uddin has interviewed me in his show and I have shared my journey to journalism. Please do listen my interview following the link. Happy Listening :)

Thank you!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkXuw4r9IPE