Mrs. Binda Maya Lama of Nandutar, Belkotgadhi-7, Nuwakot was initially uncertain about her future when MCA-Nepal acquired 11 Anna (334.75 square meters) of her land for the construction of Ratmate Substation, but today she feels different. She sees it as bringing a positive change in her life.
"I was not sure what we would do for our livelihood after my family land was acquired by MCA-Nepal. We used to grow rice and other cereal on the land, and that was the only means of earning for our family," shares Mrs. Lama. "But I am happy now because apart from providing us with compensation against the land, MCA-Nepal Livelihood Restoration Program (LRP) is supporting us with livelihood skills."
Mrs. Lama, a project-affected person (PAP) of Ratmate Substation to be constructed under the Electricity Transmission Project (ETP) has benefitted from the Commercial Off-season Vegetable Production Training, being organized by SAPPROS, MCA-Nepal’s Consultant in Nuwakot.
"I am very happy to participate in the training. We are equipped with new skills and technologies for commercial off-season vegetable production. We are also provided with seeds of cauliflower, cabbage, chilly and four-season beans. "
She adds, "We have taken 4.5 Anna (140.6 square meters) of land on lease nearby our residence, and started the cultivation of commercial vegetables."
She is taking care of around one thousand seedlings of various vegetables daily with the knowledge and
skill acquired during the training.
She shares her thoughts on the livelihood restoration program being pro-affected people and remarks, "Normally land acquisition process leaves affected people nowhere, but the land acquisition process in Ratmate included the livelihood restoration and ensured the upliftment of the living standard of affected people."
Not only Mrs. Lama but her husband Mr. Dinesh Lama will participate in a JCB operator training as per the plans in the LRP, which will enhance the couple’s ability to increase their source of income.
