On 22-23 August 2026, the Himalayan Quests Foundation team visited Marsyangdi Rural Municipality in Lamjung to monitor the ongoing construction of the Simpani Health Post and meet with the people involved in bringing the project forward.
The visit was an opportunity to see the progress on the ground, review the quality and quantity of work completed so far, and discuss the next stages of construction with the contractor, engineer, Health Post Development Committee and local stakeholders.
Construction is back on track
Construction at the Simpani Health Post is currently progressing according to the planned schedule.
Following a period of monsoon leave, work has resumed at the site, with ten labourers currently deployed alongside trucks and other construction equipment. The team was briefed by the contractor on the current status of the work and the timeline for the coming months.
During the visit, the construction work was inspected in coordination with the engineer to ensure that the work being carried out continues to follow the approved plans, design and required quality standards. The Health Post Development Committee and engineer are also closely monitoring the quality of construction as the project moves forward.
The next major stage: the construction of the vertical pillars for the ground floor, is scheduled to begin in the first week of September.
Working through a challenging monsoon
The project has not been without its challenges.
Unusually heavy rainfall before and during the peak monsoon period has affected transportation along the off-road routes leading to the construction site. The persistent rain has made it difficult to transport construction materials consistently, while standing water has also accumulated at the construction site.
The cost of construction materials and transportation has also increased in recent months, adding further pressure to the project.
Despite these challenges, coordination between the contractor, workers, engineer, Health Post Development Committee and local stakeholders has helped keep the project moving. Material costs have also started to decrease compared with previous months, providing some relief as construction resumes more consistently.
Looking ahead
Based on discussions during the field visit, the following is the approximate timeline for the remaining major stages of construction:
- Second tie beam for the ground level: 30 August 2026
- Vertical pillars for the first floor: 10 September 2026
- First-floor RCC slab: 25 September 2026
- Second-floor RCC slab: 30 October 2026
- Wall works: Completion expected by 30 December 2026
- Doors, windows, painting and final works: Expected completion by 15 April 2027
These dates remain subject to conditions on the ground, including weather, transportation and the availability of construction materials.
Continuing to build, together
With the generous support of Beyond the Epicenter, the Himalayan Quests Foundation is able to continue supporting the construction of the Simpani Health Post and working alongside the local community and project stakeholders to move the project forward. We are grateful for their continued support, which is helping turn the plans for this much-needed health facility into reality.
The structure is taking shape, one stage at a time. We will continue to monitor the progress closely and share further updates as the Simpani Health Post moves towards completion.