The PDNA report estimates that 352 million workdays will be generated over the next five years through large-scale housing reconstruction works alone. "The laborer demand in the reconstruction phase will peak at 0.54 million workers which is a significant number compared to the current estimates of one million workers already involved in the housing sector," the report states, adding, "The employment and livelihoods recovery needs amount to Rs 5 billion or US$ 125 million."According to Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the number of people seeking foreign employment has increased steadily over the past five years. Altogether 521,878 Nepalis received approval to seek foreign employment in 2013/14 -- a rise of 177 percent compared to 294,094 in 2009/10. Moreover, International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 4.06 million Nepali are abroad in 2015.
"The reconstruction phase basically involves housing reconstruction and reconstruction of cultural heritage sites. A huge pool of laborers is needed for the purpose," Govinda Nepal, NPC member told Republica, adding, "This will certainly boost employment opportunities and provide a good option to those looking for overseas jobs."
NPC, however, is concerned at the availability of skilled workforce which constitutes around 46 percent of the needed workforce. "Domestic construction industry relies heavily on Indian sources for skilled construction workers, and their availability is far less," the PDNA report. According to the report, housing component alone needs 25,000 masons who are often part-time workers.
To do away with the situation, NPAC has suggested providing large scale training to domestic workforce.
"Such trainings have to be primarily given to members of quake-hit families so that their involvement in temporary or permanent settlement construction activities can reduce the crunch of skilled laborers to some extent," added Nepal.
Meanwhile, Jay Ram Lamichhane, chairman of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), said the need for foreign laborers will not arise if Nepali workers are trained properly. "We know that we lack skilled manpower. However, it is not good to give entry to foreign laborers for reconstruction works," he said, urging the government to immediately start construction training for Nepalis.
He also suggested to the government to lure Nepalis working in foreign countries by offering them attractive pay package.
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