Pokhara mechanics offer to repair burnt govt vehicles at fraction of cost

POKHARA: Gandaki Auto Mechanical Works Association, Pokhara, has offered to take responsibility for repairing and restoring all the vehicles that were torched or vandalized in Pokhara during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9.

According to the association, if a vehicle worth Rs 10 million can be restored for Rs 3 million, the state would save Rs 7 million.

Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, chairperson of the association, said they were ready to repair and restore all vehicles damaged or burnt in Pokhara during the Gen-Z movement at a concessional rate. “A lot of money would be required to replace these vehicles with new ones. State resources can be saved by repairing them,” Adhikari added.

The association submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office, Kaski, on Thursday, requesting necessary administrative support for its proposal.

“Since metal parts of vehicles do not burn completely, they can be repaired and restored to their previous condition,” Adhikari said. “Refurbishing the old vehicles could save about 70% of the state’s resources. By investing 30-35% of the cost, old vehicles can be repaired to look and perform like new.”

Receiving the memorandum, Chief District Officer of Kaski, Rudradevi Sharma assured that discussions on repairs could be held once the extent of the damage was verified.

As many as 300 government vehicles were torched and vandalized in Gandaki Province during the protest.