KATHMANDU, MARCH 13

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the local government is the first school of democracy and the closest government to address people's expectations and needs.

Addressing a programme organised on the 29th anniversary of Nepal Municipality Association here today, PM Deuba reiterated that local governments should be more sensitive and responsible as they are the governments at the people's doorsteps.

The activities of the local government influence people in forming views on all tiers of government, so municipalities have more important task of securing public trust.

'The Association of Municipality formed as the representative body of municipalities after 1993 has played a significant role in empowering people,' PM Deuba said.

According to him, planned settlements with roads, clean drinking water, drainages, open spaces, greenery, and proper sanitation are essential for the country's modernisation and sustainable development.

He, however, admitted, 'Most of the municipalities are scourged by unmanaged urbanisation, which has not only ruined natural beauty but also invited insecurity.

Time has come to take forward the small and big cities, including the federal capital Kathmandu in line with the concept of sustainable development,' PM Deuba underscored.

He also viewed that cities should be made well-managed with proper plan and research. 'Integrated infrastructure help build proper cities,' PM Deuba said, adding that protection of the original identity of the municipalities was equally imperative. Cities could be developed as hubs of economic activities.

The PM also lauded the initiatives taken by the Association in implementing constitutional provisions, restructuring of local levels and federalism.

He pointed out the need to enable local level leaderships for quality service delivery.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 14, 2022, of The Himalayan Times