The Nepal-Gujarat Masons Exchange and Training Program (NGMET) was a
joint program of NSET-Nepal and SEEDS which began in August 2001 and continued
until the completion of the PNY in 2004. The idea was to transfer earthquake-safe
construction techniques, a very successful concept of NSET, to masons
in Gujarat to take safety messages and solutions directly to communities.
The NGMET sought to start mitigation and preparedness activities through
training and awareness at the community level, and the specific objectives
of the project were to:
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Train at least 20 masons from Patanka in earthquake
resistant construction while rehabilitating and re-building houses
damaged by the quake |
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Organize at least three exposure visits of masons from
NSET and Patanka, and |
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Document and disseminate the outcomes and explore its
replication elsewhere. |
Within the program, altogether 6 masons (the first batch travelled to
Gujarat on 14 August, 2001) worked in Patanka Village for about a year
under the supervision of an engineer from NSET. The engineer from Nepal
has trained Gujrati engineers and architects. Gujarati masons and engineers
also visited Nepal to observe NSETs work at different sites. The activities
included analysis of the situation, including assessment of the rehabilitation
processes and priorities, and recommending appropriate interventions and
their execution. Other activities included:
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Upgrading construction quality focusing on workmanship,
quality control, bar- bending |
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Using Stone Crete, a new construction material, to replace
stone masonry wall |
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Seismic strengthening of existing buildings |
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Training of masons on building techniques and shake-table
demonstrations for demonstrating the effectiveness of earthquake resistant
components in buildings, and |
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Exchange visit of Nepali and Indian masons for training
and learning from each other. |
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