KATHMANDU: Unplanned urbanisation has been a threat to public health and safety in the Kathmandu Valley.

“Kathmandu is an example of haphazard settlement,” said Suman Neupane, general manager, Sunrise Bank. “Roads in easy access, potable water, proper drainage, electricity, passages for fire fighters and emergency services are largely lacking in the city,” he added.

The capital city lacks parks, open spaces and greenery, a testimony of degrading environmental

and aesthetic values. “At places, the city resembles a slum dwelling,” said Er Devendra Dongol, senior planner, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

According to Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW), there are an estimated 600,000 houses in the valley. Some 10,000 houses are constructed every

year in the five municipalities and 45 towns in the valley. Houses have been built in areas as little as 2.5 annas.

“The unmanaged growth coupled with poor infrastructure has hit ground-water recharge, management of drainage, drinking water, roads and electricity,” said Dongol.

“I have my own house here but I have booked a Rs 5 million flat at the Sun City Apartments for the sake of good environment, security, open space and basic amenities,” said Neupane.

Dongol said the apartment builders have targeted only wealthy people. “There is no

apartment for lower class families,” he added.

Er Hemnath Sharma Khanal, chief, Kathmandu Valley Town

Development Committee under the MoPPW, said the government should plan a low-cost housing scheme like the $1,500 one in Indonesia.

Neupane said a master plan for vertical, rather than the horizontal in practice, development of the city was essential to replace the old and unmanaged buildings. “Government, as a facilitator to the private sector, should identify areas for colonies and build cities having developed apartments and housing,” he added.

According to KMC, 30 per cent of the total area in the valley is covered by houses. “Law must be enforced to systematise the apartment mode of urbanisation. This will contribute to the aesthetic value of the city,” said Dongol.

“We have recently registered two bills on land transaction and Kathmandu Valley Town Development with the parliament, aiming to set up a Town Development Council,” said Khanal. “An Act regarding apartment and housing was introduced about a decade ago but it’s obsolete now,” he added.