TIKAPUR, Nov 27: Mayor Mahadev Bajgain of Lamkichuha Municipality in Kailali disrict has been in the limelight time and again for his pro-citizen decisions and activities. This time, he has diverted funds earmarked for the purchase of vehicles into the construction of a hospital instead.
A budget of Rs 7.5 million was allocated to vehicle purchases for municipality officials. But at the recent third municipal council meeting, Mayor Bajgain decided to divert the vehicle purchase funds to the construction of a hospital in Ward No 10.
He also decided to add Rs 1.5 million from other budget heads to the Rs 7.5 million diverted from vehicle procurement. A total sum of Rs 9 million has now been allocated for the construction of the hospital.
Bajgain has exercised his powers as mayor to make the changes to budget heads and expenditures.
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“The health of the people in the municipality is more important than vehicles for government officials,” said the mayor.
A 100-bed community hospital is now being constructed at the initiative of the municipality. A detailed project report (DPR) for the hospital is currently being prepared.
Local Nawajagrit High School has donated 2 bigha and 2 kattha [1.7 hectares] of land for the hospital, informed Bishnu Khanal, spokesperson for the municipality.
“A lease for another 2 bigha and 10 kattha adjoining the school land has also been agreed for the hospital’s use,” he added.
Parliamentarian Jhapat Bahadur Rawal, who represents Kailali Constituency 2, has allocated Rs 1.1 million from the Constituency Development Fund for the hospital construction.
Mayor Bajgain is content with using his old vehicle. The example set by him comes at a time when local representatives across the country are being criticized for spending taxpayer money for their own conveniences.
Some people have taken to social media to suggest that other local government units follow Bajgain’s example.
