Kathmandu, November 12

Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidhya Sundar Shakya, Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khagi Shrestha and other staffers of KMC inspected various traffic islands in Kathmandu today.

Mayor Shakya said he had promised the people of the metropolis that he would maintain greenery and make the city pollution free during his election campaign.

“We are working hard to fulfil our promises and maintaining cleanliness is our first priority,” said Shakya, adding, “These islands do not take much space and help maintain greenery without spending a huge amount of money.”

There are approximately 25 traffic islands in KMC. “Due to the lack coordination from traffic police, KMC is facing difficulty in maintaining traffic islands,” said Rabin Man Shrestha, chief of Environment Section at KMC.

“KMC is rigorously working on fixing pits and potholes on roads of KMC.  In coordination with Department of Roads, around Rs 25 crore has been allocated for the purpose,” said Shakya.

Earlier, KMChad prioritised four major working areas — road repair, building code implementation, maintenance of greenery and garbage management.

KMC officials said road repair work would begin soon after field inspection. Roads not wider than eight metres come under the purview of KMC. The KMC has also prioritised enforcement of the building code. It said regular inspections would be carried out at construction sites to ensure that the building code is complied with.

KMC is also making efforts to construct a permanent landfill site and remove obstructions posed by the locals in waste disposal at the Okharpauwa. The Okharpauwa landfill site was constructed as a temporary one.