“Sthapit does not want to continue the road expansion campaign as he is a politically motivated person who is more concerned of the future votes rather than his obligation,” claimed a highly placed government official at the authority requesting anonymity. [break]“As the chief commissioner, it is his responsibility to coordinate with concerned ministries for budget allocation but he strategically aims to dent the staff’s confidence.”
The employees under the KVTDA have not received their salary from Mid-July, though the government employees in all offices are paid within 25th of every Nepali month. Some 70 staff under the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) have been temporarily sent to the authority.
According to Bhai Kaji Tiwari, chief of the Kathmandu Town Development Authority, the MoUD has not allocated budget for the authority till date despite the ongoing road expansion campaign.
“We need at least Rs 30 million for administrative and technical works. However, we have not heard further from the MoUD and Ministry of Finance on this regard,” Tiwari said.
“The demolition drive may come to a halt if the problem is not addressed soon .We are short of money to pay to dozer owners and fuel,” said Tiwari.
However, officials at MoUD claimed that the delay in formation of organizational structure of the authority has held up its budget allocation. Meanwhile, Sthapit declined to comment on the issue.
Though an emergency meeting, the Cabinet on April 27 had formed the KVTDA and appointed Sthapit as its commissioner for efficient development of the Kathmandu Valley. However, he has not initiated any projects till date.
Related story
CPN-UML removes Keshav Sthapit from central committee
