Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a meeting with mayors from across the Kathmandu Valley on Monday evening at her official residence in Baluwatar.
During the meeting, the delegation of the Valley Mayors’ Forum expressed confidence that the upcoming elections would be successfully conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Karki. They assured her of their full support and cooperation.
The local government leaders also briefed the Prime Minister on the challenges they have been facing. Urging the government not to shy away from taking bold decisions, they raised a range of issues affecting local governance. Several mayors requested the government to resolve the long-standing problems of waste management and outstanding electricity dues for streetlights.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was not present in the meeting.
Lalitpur Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan said local governments could bear 60% of the electricity bill for streetlight costs and suggested that the federal government cover the remaining 40%.
The mayors also sought assistance in ensuring the smooth operation of local government offices amid security concerns that have persisted since the Gen Z movement.
The Mayor of Gokarneshwar requested support for road expansion on Nepal Trust land, while Tokha’s mayor urged the government to approve compensation packages for widening the Tokha–Chhahare Road. Stating that since governments led by political leaders have failed to provide compensation, he urged the non-partisan government to make a decision and create history.
Similarly, Budhanilkantha Mayor demanded legal action against individuals who looted private homes on September 9. “Some suspects, who were arrested based on complaints of local governments, have been released by police and courts,” he added.
The Mayor of Kirtipur requested the federal government’s approval to build a bus park, hospital and administrative buildings on land owned by Tribhuvan University. Similarly, the Mayor of Changunarayan called on the government to expedite the long-delayed Sallaghari–Kamalbinayak–Nagarkot road project.
Many representatives complained that the federal government’s decision to cut projects below Rs 30 million in the name of austerity had hindered local development works.
In response, Prime Minister Karki urged mayors for support, stating that her primary focus is on holding elections. Stating whether an election-focused government should involve itself in other matters, especially with the election code of conduct coming into effect, she said she would still look into the issues raised by the mayors and explore what could be addressed.
