Integrated Infrastructure Development and Coordination Office to be Established in Kathmandu Metropolitan City
In a significant move aimed at streamlining infrastructure development and enhancing coordination among development partners, a liaison office is set to be established within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
This decision came following discussions held with the heads and representatives of infrastructure development partner offices on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Mayor Balen Shah of Kathmandu Metropolitan City emphasized that the presence of development offices in various locations often leads to disputes and disagreements over responsibilities. He proposed the establishment of a coordination office within the metropolis, highlighting the lack of response from partner offices despite repeated calls for interrelated development work.
Mayor Balen explained that consolidating all office representatives in one location would simplify problem-solving for residents, eliminating the need to navigate multiple offices. He stressed that the liaison office's officers would be dedicated to infrastructure construction, maintenance, and gap mitigation.
No Unauthorized Road Digging in Kathmandu
In the same meeting held on Wednesday, it was resolved that the Metropolitan Corporation would set up a contact office, with the associated office bearing the costs of water and sewerage leakages.
Furthermore, it was determined that no entity would be permitted to excavate roads within the metropolis without obtaining prior permission. Whether it involves sewerage, telephone and electricity services, or water distribution systems in any area, the approval of both the Metropolitan Corporation and the Road Digging Department, a division of the Road Department responsible for road sections owned by the Metropolitan Corporation, is now mandatory.
The decision was prompted by the prolonged existence of unrepaired potholes on the city's roads, the absence of responsibility for their maintenance, resulting in inconvenience for citizens, and the escalating risk of infrastructure deterioration.
Mayor Balen identified various entities responsible for road excavation during the meeting, including Upatalya Water Supply Limited, the Electricity Authority's underground cable network construction, riverside corridor construction, underpass operation, ring road improvement, as well as telephone and internet service providers.
The meeting saw participation from heads of the Road Department, Valley Traffic Police Office, Transport Management Department, Directorate of Project Implementation under Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, Empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, Nepal Electricity Authority, Telecommunication Authority, and Water and Sewerage Management Department.
