Reconstruction works in 14 earthquake-hit districts have been affected due to the strike by the technical staff. The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has hired 2,700 engineers, sub-engineers and overseers to supervise the rebuilding of homes that were destroyed by the earthquakes of 2015. In Gorkha, 190 engineers have halted their works since last week. Engineer Sanjib Amgai said they decided to go on a strike because the NRA did not make any efforts to fulfil their demands, including allowance and transportation service. “We have to work in the remote villages. We cannot work with the salary we are getting,” said Amgai. In Sindhupalchok, 253 engineers have warned of quitting if the NRA does not cooperate with them. Bikash Neupane, the engineer assigned to Phulpingdanda village, said they have given the NRA one week to address their demands. “We were forced protest because the government did not pay attention to our demands,” he said. The engineers mobilised in Sindhupalchok have left their assigned villages after submitting a memorandum of their demands to the Urban Development Division Office. Tanka Gautam, the acting chief of division office, said the engineers’ protest has slowed down the reconstruction works in the district. “The reconstruction works will be delayed if the situation continues,” he said. In Ramechhap, the engineers have gathered at Manthali, the district headquarters, to press their demands. Around 200 engineers are mobilised in the district. In Dolakha, reconstruction works have come to a halt after the engineers left their assigned villages. They picketed the NRA office at the district headquarters on Thursday. Rajib Shahi, an earthquake victim from Ganesh Tol, said they were unable to continue rebuilding their homes without engineers’ guidance. “It’s time to receive the second instalment of housing reconstruction aid and we are not going to get it without the engineers’ recommendation,” he said.