SOLUKHUMBU, Feb 7: Two years have elapsed since the local polls, but the elected representatives of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality -5, Kanku have been providing government services remotely due to lack of proper workstation.
It might be hard for some to believe that people are receiving the services of the local unit which does not have any ward office. The locals have little faith in those representatives who promised to bring the facilities of Singha Durbar at the doorsteps of the people.
There has been no positive change in the lives of the people since the election. Instead, some lament that their problems have become worse now. Ward chief Nimraj Tamang usually lives in the district headquarters Salleri and ward member Bimala Rai who has been entrusted with the responsibility of handling the official work in his absence is always busy in her hotel in Salleri.
Local level bodies still without staffers
This compels the villagers to go all the way to Salleri even for a recommendation. Tenzi Sherpa of Bokdu stated that the new federal structure has not been a boon for them.
"We always had to go to the district headquarters for legal work and that has not changed even after the formation of the local government," he said.
According to him, facilities and services guaranteed by the federal government has been nothing more than myths. Another local Tambar Rai has similar opinion regarding the concept of federalism. He feels even the members of the ward are taking no initiative to find a work station for the ward.
"After repeated complaints from the locals, the ward chief has finally agreed to fix a place and start the office," said Rai. He accused the representatives of being indifferent toward the pleas of the public.
Even after such a long time, the elected representatives are still in confusion over where to construct the office. While some want to set the office in Moral, others want it in Burdim. The dillydallying over the office and sluggish delivery of services has raised questions about the ability of the people's representatives.
Dikeswar Rai laments that their own elected representatives are not serious toward solving the problems of the locals. There have been times, when service seekers have been obliged to return home empty-handed after failing to find the ward chief or other members.
Meanwhile, ward chief Tamang stated that they would be choosing the place of office as suggested by the people. "We are holding discussions and I hope we will reach to a conclusion very soon," said ward chief Tamang.
