‘Durbar High School will be new carrier of Nepal-China relations’

– Mahendra Subedi
Kathmandu, Aug. 3

Durbar High School also known as Bhanu Secondary School carries a golden history being the first school of Nepal based on modern education system.
During the period of 165 years since its establishment, the school produced thousands of talented people who led the nation’s all fronts including political, social, economic and literary. However, following the devastating Gorkha earthquake, the school’s infrastructure suffered destruction. The school infrastructure was built during the Rana regime.
Once again, the school is not only getting its face lift but also is attempting to own a state-of-the-art school building and other physical infrastructures needed for the concept of a ‘complete school’. The school is likely to get a new four-storied building in 20 months build under the China Aid Kathmandu Durbar High School Reconstruction Project.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel and Ambassador of China to Nepal Yu Hong marked the commencement of the multi-million school building amid a function today in Kathmandu while expressing their confidence that the students in Durbar High School would get an environment conducive for learning. While unveiling the project, both of them shared that Nepal-China relations would further deepen from such cooperation and promised to work in other areas of common interests.
In the words of Minister Pokharel, this school would stand out as an academic institution of ‘complete school’ that he has unveiled in his 10-point roadmap for the quality education.
On the occasion, Minister Pokharel praised the assistance received from China for the reconstruction of the quake-hit properties. The commencement of Durbar High School reconstruction was held as per the Project Implementation Agreement signed between Nepal and China on 13 July 2017.
“Many issues, questions and concerns were raised during the period have helped further to advance the project for the reconstruction of Durbar High School. Those issues were analyzed minutely and resolved amicably till this stage of commencement,” Minister Pokharel said.
On the occasion, Minister Pokharel and Ambassador hoped that construction works of the project would be completed in the slated timeframe in the approved design and norms along with good quality.
Likewise, Chinese Ambassador Yu expressed her happiness for getting chance to implement the project to reconstruct the Durbar High School. “I have visited the school many times. After seeing the damaged school buildings, sometimes I even imagined how beautiful it would look like in the past,” she shared her emotions. The Ambassador said that the project has proceeded ahead on right track by overcoming the obstacles.
The Durbar High School would be constructed as safe and well-equipped facility and will stand with the features of traditional design. “We will construct this school building which will remain as a symbol of Nepal-China relations. It would be the new carrier of Nepal-China relations,” Yu said.
After the Gorkha Earthquake, the Government of China had also sent a team for rescue operations and provided assistance materials while China is supporting Nepal in five major areas including livelihood, reconstruction of the physical infrastructures, and reconstruction of the archeological heritages, disaster mitigation and assistance in medical and health sectors through 25 projects after the quake.
Of the 25 projects, two projects have already been completed, 17 are under construction while feasibility study of the six projects is ongoing. The governments of Nepal and China had signed a MoU in July 23, 2015 to advance the 25 projects and Durbar High School reconstruction is one of the 25 China Aid post-disaster reconstruction projects in Nepal. Besides, the government of China has promised to reconstruct six schools in Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts.
Likewise, Principal of Durbar High School Hem Chandra Mahato said that this will be the new chapter in the history of Durbar high school adding that the reconstruction bid shall help continue its pioneer image.
Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Hari Prava Khadgi also attended the ceremony including high-level government officials, construction partners and others.
Shanghai Construction Company has taken the responsibility of construction, while China Aviation Planning and Design Institute has prepared the school design. The school would be reconstructed in the turnkey model. The school has a construction area of 4200 square metres and 40 plus classroom. (RSs)