Hetauda, January 19

Province 3 government is preparing to turn Basudev Sabhagriha, a city hall in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City-4, into Province Assembly building.

Chief Minister Dormani Poudel said his government would allocate budget and convert the city hall into Province Assembly building within the current fiscal. “Basudev Sabhagriha is suitable for Province Assembly,” Poudel said.

Ministry of Local Development had allocated Rs 13 million for the construction of the city hall. Construction of he city hall had begun 12 years ago. However, construction work was halted after the contractor was found to have not met the stipulated criteria.

Secretary Ramesh Siwakoti at Province 3 Office of Chief Minister said the province government would proceed with construction as per the new structure and plan.

During the royal regime, the city hall was named after late King Birendra. The building was later named after martyr Basudev Ghimire, who was killed during the people’s movement. The construction was left in the lurch as it was not included in the national plan and local budget did not suffice.

Urban Development and Building Office Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City have been directed to prepare a master plan for the new building pronto.