Government to Build "Identity Cities," Reconstruct Buildings Damaged in Gen Z Protests

Kathmandu — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has announced various plans and allocations for the urban development sector through the budget.

Wagle said funds have been allocated to continue land development and infrastructure construction for building identity cities at 12 locations along the Mid-Hill Highway.

The Finance Minister said funds have also been allocated for integrated waste management, a sewage-free rivers campaign, and the promotion of greenery along riverbanks in the country's major cities.

He said priority will be given to the strengthening and reconstruction of government buildings damaged during the Gen Z protests. Wagle added that the necessary resources have been allocated to complete the reconstruction of private homes and government buildings damaged by the earthquake in districts including Jajarkot and West Rukum.

The Finance Minister said a Local Government Centre Access Improvement Programme will be advanced to connect the centres of local governments that are not yet linked to the road network with national highways or the nearest provincial capital via all-season roads.

To increase citizens' access to basic transport services, Wagle said funds have been allocated to build suspension bridges so that no one has to walk more than 30 minutes to reach one.

He said that under the National Housing Company Limited, residential projects will be operated, with 100 buildings to be constructed and sold to the general public in the first phase in Mechinagar Municipality of Jhapa district.

The Finance Minister said a total of Rs 248.48 billion has been allocated for road and urban infrastructure development.