City Development Strategy K a t h m a n d u M e t r o p o l i t a n C i t y K a t h m a n d u Metropolitan City / World Bank JANUARY 2001 2"dFebruary, 2001 Kathmandu is a modernizing city with a glorious history and heritage to be proud of. During the past three years of my tenure, the Metropolis Government has welcomed the challenge of striking a balance between modernization while preserving and nurturing our city's historical characters. In those years, the most I have come to appreciate about Kathmandu is its vitality, its willingness and perseverance to go on against all odds, whatever they may be. It is against this backdrop that I have tried to bring before you our City Diagnostic Report and City Development Strategy. My interactions with the CDS team and their capable counterparts from KMC, during their continuous seven-month effort in the preparation ofthese documents, has given me full confidence in vouching for the llsefulness of both the documents. I also take the opportunity to guarantee my administration's unfailing support in following rhe strategic guidelines that CDS has recommended. I am confident that the City Diagnostic Report will provide necessary insight information on Kathmandu and the City DeveIopment Strategy will have paved the way for essential rebuilding and revitalizing activities that our city needs. The documents would have done their job if they find ways to give more impetus to the vitality of our city, because, that is what will keep our city moving and ever vibrant. J Mayor 2ndFebruary, 2001 The city of Kathmandu is undergoing great changes as we try to meet the demands of rapidly growing population and at the same time establish ourselves as an efficient and effective local government. In this time of transition, the greatest challenges for us is to manage this change. The City Development Strategy is an exercise to guide this change towards a direction we all want to go. In this process, the Diagnostic study has compiled all the scattered but relevant information on the current state of Kathmandu into one report. I hope that this report will help us develop clear understanding regarding where we are and the direction in which we are headed. It also points out major issues that are of concern to us as Kathmandu moves into the new millennium. The City Development Strategy itself will point out the direction we want to go based on the findings of this Diagnostic Report and our common vision for the future of Kathmandu. I call on all citizens of Kathmandu and relevant authorities to study this report in detail and assist the Kathmandu Metropolitan City in creating a Strategy which will guide us in creating a Kathmandu we are all proud of. Thank you. . . Bidur Mainali Deputy Mayor 1oals7i n ~ omlulola~ C , 3 d , . ,> Kathmandu lV@k~~alitan City Office ,> . ...* %!*;; *# BEYOND CDS 2ndFebruary, 2001 Formulating City Development Strategy was a unique experience for KMC. This document has revealed many issues which are extremely important for KMC and to take appropriate initiatives immediately is even more important. Now that the CDS has been finalized, KMC will need to develop long-term implementation strategies. For this, the KMC authorities will be soliciting support from all the concerned citizens, .donor agencies and above all the private sector organizations. Our commitment to implement CDS is dependent upon the support from all the sectors. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the World Bank, the consultant team and hundfeds of individuals who supported in formulating this document. Beyond CDS, we have even greater challenges and together .we can make a difference. WIY Su a P. Silwal Act. chief Executive Officer KMC P.O. Box :8416, Kalimati, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel.: 01-270334,272871,284763, Fax :977-01-272110 mm,rnJtha,rnd ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT. .. (A notefrom the KMC counterpart and WB Consultant Team) The 'City Develpment Strategy' CDS for Kathmandu The strategies (both sectoral and integrated) presented Metropolitan City (KMC)was prepared over July 2000- are the final outcome of intensive exercise by the January 2001. The CDS has been prepared exclusively consultants and the KMC counterpartteam, together with by a team of national consultants with valuable inputs a series of field meetings at the community level, from KMC counterpart team as well as timely specially in the case of squatter settlements. A number suggestions from the World Bank experts. A City of findings of the CDS are also based on review of Diagnostic Report CDR (separate volume) has also been existing literature, for which due acknowledgements prepared with a view to provide background information have been given by the authors. on KMC's existing situation to the readers and development agencies so that they may deploy their This CDS report provides factual and expert resources to problem areas through crystallization of assessment of the sectors for KMC and also in the project assistance in future. The CDR is the basis on valley context. This compilation of strategies in the which the City Development Strategy has been form of one single publication on KMC is the first formulated for KMC. attempt of this kind and should make a valuable resource for development agencies and professionals The ten strategic elements presented in CDS, cover involved in KMC and Kathmandu Valley development sectors related to Urban Planning, Urban Economics, activities. Institutional Development, Urban Transport, Housing and Squatter Settlements, Municipal Services It is important to note here that this document has (Infrastructure), Heritage Conservation, Community been prepared within seven months and hence, the Development, Environment and Municipal Finance. In authors have stayed withiri the parameters of existing order to ensure quality information in the CDS, the literature and discussions with selected professionals strategies prepared were extensively studied and and stakeholders. It is expected that the document will reviewed by a team of experts on each subject. Following be periodically updated by KMC so that additional the review, a series of focused group meetingswere held issues are covered as new developments unfold in to discuss the reviewers' comments and to examine the future. critical cross-sectoral issues. \vijay Burathoki Deputy Team Leader ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Project Co-ordinator (KMC) Mr. Ganesh Dhoj G.C. Mr. Padma Sunder Joshi HOD. Law and Litigation Team Leader (ConsultantsniVorld Bank) Project Consultants (World Bank) Mr. Surya Man Shakya Mr. Surya Man Shakya Environment Deputy Team Leader (ConsultantsniVorld Bank) Mr. Vijay Burathoki Mr. Vijay Burathoki Urban Planning Counterpart Team (KMC) Mr. Hari Prasad Rimal Dr. Bhuvan Bajracharya Past CEO Urban Economics Mr. Surya P. Silwal Dr. Sudarshan Raj Tiwari Acting CEO Heritage Conservation Mr. Naresh Regmi Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari Assistant CEO Institutional Development Ms. Haridevi Ranjitkar Mr. Naresh Shrestha HOD, Social Welfare Municipal Finance Mr. Devendra Dangol Mr. Sanjeev Bajracharya HOD, Urban Development Municipal Infrastructure Services Mr. Gambhir Lal Shrestha Mr. Shanibhu Rai HOD, Finance Community Development Mr. Shantaram Pokharel Ms. Jun Hada HOD, Environment Housing and Squatter Settlements Dr. Baburam Gautam Mr. Harihar Man Alnatya HOD, Health Urban Transport Mr. Jyoti Bhushan Pradhan HOD, Public Works World Bank Support Kenichi Ohashi Mr. Bishnu Singh Basnet World Bank Country Director for Nepal HOD, Security Cities Alliance1CDS Study Mr. Indra Man Singh Suwal HOD, Heritage Mark Hildebrand Manager, Cities Alliance Mr. Ram Sharan Humagain HOD. Revenue Hiroichi Kawashima Sr. Urban Specialist, CDS Mr. Shankar Raj Kandel HOD. lnformation and Communication Frannie Leautire Former Sector Director SASlN Mr. Dev Kumar Rai HOD. Administration Kevin Milroy and Cities Alliance Secretariat ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Hiroaki Suzuki Municipal Infrastructure Principal Operations Ofticer and CDS South Asia Coordinator Mr. Tashi Tenzing (WB) Mr. Rabindra Lal Shrestha (T.U.) Balakrishna Menon. P Urban Specialist and Task L*eaderof Kathmandu CDS Institution Mr. Khcm Raj Nepal (CIAA) Asif Faiz Mr. Purna Man Shakya (Lawyer) Operations Advisor Mr. Mangal K. Shrestha (MHPP) Mr. Amrit Man Shrestha (CPCiKMC) Tashi Tenzing Sr. Sanitary Engineer Transportation Mr. Shiv B. Pradhananga (Independent) Ofelia Valladolid Mr. Anand Khanal (DOR) Administrative and Technical Support. Mr. Triveni M.S. Pradhan (KMC) Ra.jesh Singh CREATIVE SUGGESTIONS Ad~iiinistrativeand Technical Support. (Stakeholders Meetings) Amod Pokharel (LEADERS) Arjun Dhakal (NEFEJ) EXPERT REVIEWERS Akshay Sharma (Spotlight) Anup Mangal Joshi (KMC) Urban Economics Achyut Pd. Koirala (MLD) Mr. Amrit Man Shrestha (CPCiKMC) Mr. Ram Chettri (UDLE) Bidur Bikram Shah (W.Ch. 34) Badri Prasad Kharel (W.Ch. 10) Urban Planning Badri Bahadur Thapa (W.Ch. 14) Dr. Pitamber Sharma (ICIMOD) Barsha Ram Bhandari (W.Ch. 29) Mr. Surya Bhakta Sangache (KVTDC) Blianu Sharma (W.Ch. 33) Mr. Padam B. Chettri (UDLE) Bharat Sharma (DUDBC) Mr. Kishorc Thapa (KVMP) Basanta Rai (KVTDC) Bal Sundar Malla (CEMAT) Heritage Conservation Bishnu Sital (NSP) Mr. Karna Shakya (NHS) Bhim Dhoj Stirestha (PACiTU) Mr. Anil Chatrakar (CPC) Binod Hari Joshi (FNCCI) Bhoj Raj (Pro. Public) Environment Bhi~nNepal (DOA) Dr. Roshan Shrestha (ENPHO) Bal K. Pandey (NBBSS) Mr. Bhushan T ~ ~ l a d h(CPCiKMC) a r B.R. Manandhar (MOPE) Bijaya Krishna Shrestha (W.Ch. 20) Community Development Bikas Bhakta Shrestha (W.Ch. 25) Dr. Santa B. Gurung (T.U.) Babu Raja Maharjan (W.Ch. 27) Dr. S.B. Thakur (Independent) Chandra Prasad Bhattarai (MLD) Housing & Squatter Settlements Chandrananda Shrestha (W.Ch. 18) Dr. Sumitra Manandhar (LUMANTI) Chiniyaman Bajracharya (W.Ch. 30) Ms. Lajana Manandhar (LUMANTI) Mr. Kishore Thapa (KVMP) Dipak Rai (NBBSS) Mr. Laxman Rajbliandari (UDLE) Deva Sharrna Poudel (NEA) Dilli Maya Ilpreti (KMC) Municipal Finance Devi Nath Subedi (SWMRMC) Mr. Sundar Man Shrestha (C.A.) Devendra N. Gongal (STIDP) Mr. Amrit Man Shrestha (CPCIKMC) Dinesh Bajracliarya (hEWAH) Mr. Ram Chettri (I!DLE) Dr. Durga Lal Shrestha (CEDA) Mr. I-larka Chettri (TDF) D.N. Subedi (MLD) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dipak K.C. (W.Ch. 3) Navaraj Parajuli (W.Ch. 35) Dhruva Narayan Manandhar (W.Ch. 13) Pavitra Bajracharya (W.Ch. 23) Purna Prasad Gautam (KMC) Franz W. Ziegler (KVMP) Purna Prasad Kadariya (Dl..IUBC) Pushpa Ratrla Shakya (MOPE) Gopal Joshi (KMC) Panna Ridna (JMG) Gyani B. Niraula(A.N.) Pratap P. Pradhan (UEIP) Girija P. Gorkhali (UEIP) Gyanendra Shrestha (Metro F.M.) Ratna Prasad Joshi (W.Ch. 4) Giri R. Gautam (W.K.) Rinclien Yonjan (KMC) Gopal Pandit (W.Ch. 7) Rajendra Giri (ADBITA) Ganesh Bahadur Khadgi (W.Ch. 3 I) Raman Shrestha (DTM) Dr. Rup Khadka (VAT- Project) Harka Bdr. Lama (NBBSS) Rameshwor Lamichane (MOE & S) Himal S. "Lekali" (SOCODEP) Dr. Renu Rajbhandari (WOREC) Hari K. Shrestha (Metro F.M.) Renuka Rai (NEWAH) Hukurn B. Lama (NBBSS) Ramesh B. Shrestha (NASC) Hari Krishna Dangol (W.Ch. 22) Rupendra Maharjan (KTM 2020) Rabin Lal Shrestha (SEECON) lndra Bahadur Gurung (NBBSS) Ramesh Lamsal ('I'RN) Ishori Wagle (P.D.) Ramesh Chalise (R.S.) lshwor Man Dangol (W.Ch. 15) Rabindra M. Maskey (Photographer) Rajendra Manandhar (TKP) Juddha Bajracharya (W.Ch. 24) Rajan Shakya (HAN) Jibgar Joshi (MPPW) Rajesli Manandhar (KMC) Jay Prakash (Media) Rabin Marl Shrestha Jay Singh (Research) Roshan Shakya (KMC) Jeevan Kansakar (FNCCI) R. Babbar Raju Shrestha (KMC) Kishor Manandhar (KVMP) Ramesh Man Dangol (W.Ch. 2) Kamal Murimal (KMC) (late) Rajcsh Shrestha (W.Ch. 11) Kushum Shakya (FPAN) Rani Bir Manandliar (W.Ch.16) Kayeshwor Man Shakya (SEECON) Kazi Ratna Shakya (Thapahiti Handicrafts) Sanu Kumar Shrestha (Ch. DDC, KTM) Kiran Bhandari (Kantipur) Dr. Surendra B.B. Shrestha (Mayor, Banepa) Kedar Khadka (Pro. Public) Sukha Ram Maharjan (W.Ch.5) Kiran P. Amatya Suvan K. Shrestha (W.Ch. 28) Kishor P. Pokharel (DOR) Shrijan Pradhan (KMC) Shree Gopal Maharjan (LSMC) Lhakpa Lama (NBBSS) Suresh P. Acharya (KVTDC) Lila Mahat (Researcher) Sunil Poudel (DOR) Lajali Bajracharya (TUGI) Sugat R. Kansaker (NTC) Saroj Thapalia (G.S.) Mahendra Subba (KVTDC) Surendra B. Malakar (FNCCI) Mohan Singh Lanla (H.T.) Surendra Pathak (MAN) Mangal Man Shakya (NEFEJ) Sama Vajra (LUMANTI) Madhav Pradhan (CWIN) Sunita Lama (MES) Mukti Nath Ghimire (G.S.) Suman K. Shrestha (D.C) Dr. Madan K. Dahal Surya Shrcstha (NASC) Mahendra B. Joshi (W.Ch. 17) Shiva Br. Nepali Pradhan (RCP- South) S.M. Pradhan (NHDFC) Narottam Vaidya (W.Ch. 8) Sanju Shrestha (NH & MF) Niranjan K. Shrestha (W.Ch. 12) Shishir Sapkota (NSD) Naresh Man Shakya (NHS) Saras Man Pradhan (NHDFC) Nur N. Neupane (KMC) Suman Karna (Researcher) Nepal Jit Lama (former W.Ch. 6) Suneil Adhikari (KVMP) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Sunil D. Joshi (NWSC) Cartography Saubhagya Pradhananga (NHS) Asha Kazi Thaku Sashi Lal Shrestha (W.Ch. 19) Shyam Chitrakar (W.Ch. 26) Cover Design Shree R. Adhikari (RSS) Wordscape Sukra B. Thapa (NBBSS) Shyam Krishna K.C. (W.Ch.9) Design & Layout Hari Prasad Marasini Tej Kumar Karki (UEIP) Computer Type setting Udhav Acharya Arjun Neupane Uttam Silwal (RSS) Rajan Bahadur Shivakoti Unam Pradllan Umesh Malla (Sr. Urban Planner) Photographs Naresh P. Shrestha Vidya Sundar Shakya (W.Ch. 21) Vinod C. Baral (ADBITA) Logistics V. Rajgopalan (ACID) Khuju Shakya Yogendra K. Shrestha (W.Ch. 1) Sudeep Pandey Y. Badal (KMC) Editing Dr. Sunam G. Tenzin Ms. Rajani Rizal The conknts of this publication rejlect the cor~zhineriviews oj'KMC, the consultants and the stakeholrlers who contributed by participating in Dr. Harka Gurung series of discus.sionsand meetings. Any or allpart Senior Advisor, New Era o f this publication may be used, reproduced. .stored in an informcrtion tztrieval system or Dr. Mohan Man Sainju tr-unsmitted in any munrzer whatsoever; provided, Executive Director, IIDS acknowledgement oj'the sout.ce is made. K M C ~ v o n l dappt.eciate I-eceiving a copy o f any Hans H. Rothenbuller publication which uses this publication us a Past Country Director, The World Bank. source. < 1 r \ Acknowledgement are also due to many contributors,well-wishers and stakeholders, whose names could not be accommodated despite their direct or indirect support in preparing this document. This Document has been produced under the overall supervision and guidance of Mr. KeshavSthapit,Won.Mayor andMr. Bidur Mainali, Hon. Dep. Mayor ofKMC. \ J LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank AMP Ancient Monument Protection Act. 1957 & Revision CAS Corporate Accounting System CDS City Development Strategy CDR City Diagnostic Report CD Community Development CPC City Planning Commission CEO Chief Executive Officer CBO Community Based Organization CDO Chief District Officer CAP City Assistance Program CAS Corporate Accounting System DDC District Development Committee DANIDA Danish lnternational Development Agency DHBPP Department of Housing, Building and Physical Planning DOR Dept. of Roads DOTM Dept. of Transport Management DUDBC Dept. of Urban Development and Building Construction DOA Dept. of Archaeology DWSS Dept. of Water Supply and Sanitation EU European Union EEC European Economic Commission FAR Floor Area Ratio FNCCI Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries HAN Hotel Association of Nepal HMG His Majesty's Government INGO International Non-Government Organization IPT Integrated Property Tas JICA Japan lnternational Cooperation Agency KVPI Kathmandu Valley Protective Inventory KVURD Kathmandu Valley Urban Road Development KVUDPP Kathmandu Valley Urban Development Plans and Programs KVTDC Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committee KMC Kathmandu Metropolitan City KVMP Kathmandu Valley Mapping Programme KVWHS Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites KV Kathmandu Valley kV Kilo Volts KVPT Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust LIG Low Income Group LSGA Local Self Governance Act. MI Ministry of lndustry MIIP Municipal Infrastructure Improvement Project MPP&W Ministry of Physical Planning and Works MWR Ministry of Water Resources MLD Ministry of Local Development MOPE Ministry of Population and Environment M&E Monitoring and Evaluation NTB Nepal Tourism Board NHS Nepal Heritage Society NEFEJ Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists NTV Nepal Television NGO Non-Government Organization NESS Nepal Environmental and Scientific Services NHDFC National Housing Development Finance Company NUSS Nepal Urban Sector Study NWSC Nepal Water Supply Corporation NEA Nepal Electricity Authority PWD Public Works Department PSP Private Sector Participation RLIPP Rural Urban Partnership Program SWM & RMC Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Center SCHEMS School of Environment Management and Sustainable Development TUG1 The Urban Governance Initiative TDF Town Development Fund TU Tribhuban University TP Traffic Police TDR Transfer of Development Rights UDD Urban Development Department LIST OF TABLES Table 1 : The Kathmandu Metropolitan City at a Glance: Table 2: Population of Kathmandu Valley Municipalities Table 3: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Land Use 1995 Table 4: Growth in Squatter Settlements in Kathmandu Table 5: Actual and Projected Population of Kathmandu Valley Table 6: Kathmandu Valley Land Utilization Table 7: Urbanized VDCs of Kathmandu Valley Table 8: Composition of National GDP (in percent) Table 9: Annual Percentage Change in National GDP and its components (in percent) Table 10: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population of Kathmandu Valley by Occupation Group Table 1 1 : Annual Average Per Capita Income by Source ( 1995196)-UrbanAreas of Kathmandu Valley. Table 12: Year Wise Vehicle Population in Bagmati Zone Table 13: Road Network in Central Region, Bagmati Zone and KathmanduValley (June 1998) Table 14: Income Distribution of Households of Kathmandu Table 15: Building Permit for Residential Uses in Kathmandu City Table 16: Housing Affordability, 2000 Table 17: Growth in Squatter Settlements in Kathmandu Table 18: Traffic Flow in the Major Roads of KMC Table 19: Water Availability Table 20: Efficiency of Sewerage Table 21 : Comparison of Some Selected Socio-economic Development Indicators for the Whole Nation and KMC Table 22 : NGOs and INGOs Affiliated With the Social Welfare Council. Table 23: Characterization of Kathmandu's Solid Waste Table 24: Ambient Air Quality in Various Areas of Kathmandu Valley Table 25: Bacterial Levels in Kathmandu Drinking Water Table 26: Noise Level in Different Sites of Kathmandu LIST OF CHARTS Chart 1: Improved Organization Structure KMC Chart 2: Growth of Population in Kathmandu Chart 3: KMC Actual Revenue 1990-2000 Chart 4: Own Source Vs. Grants & Loans Chart 5: KMC Expenditures Chart 6: Financial Year 2053154 (1996197), Comparison of Actual Expenditures and Revenues Chart 7: Financial Year 2054155 (1997198), Comparison of Actual Expenditures and Revenues Chart 8: Financial Year 2055156 ( 1998199),Comparison of Actual Expenditures and Revenues Chart 9: Financial Year 2056157 (1999100), Comparison of Actual Expenditures and Revenues Chart 10: Base Case, Comparison of Projected Expenditures and Revenues for FY 2057158 Chart 11: Potential, Comparison of Projected Expenditures and Revenues for FY 2057158 Chart 12: Financial Year 2057158 (200010I ), Comparison of Budgeted Expenditures and Revenues LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Settlements in Kathmandu Valley Figure 2: Map of Ward Boundary of KMC Figure 3: Ward-wise Population Density KMC Figure 4: Urban Expansion Trend in Kathmandu Valley Figure 5: Kathmandu Valley Urban Road Development Figure 6: Squatter Settlements in KMC Figure 7: Existing Water Supply System Figure 8: Information Dissemination Strategy of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Figure 9: Urban Management Information System Firuge 10: Proposed Inter-Municipality Information Network TABLE OF CONTENTS Mayor's Message II Deputy Mayor's Message 111 Beyond CDS IV About This Documents v Acknowledgement vI List of Abbreviations X List of Tables XI1 List of Charts XI11 List of Figures XlIl Table of Contents XIV Executive Summary XIX 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction 1.2 The Vision 1.3 Goals 1.4 Plan Implementation 1.5 Major Issuesand Options for CDS Implementation: 1.6 Plan Elements The KMC In Perspective 1.7.1 Location 1.7.2 History 1.7.3 Population 1.7.4 Population Density 1.7.5 Urban Planning and Land Use 1.7.6 Economy 1.7.7 Institutional Development 1.7.8 Urban 'Transport 1.7.9 Housing 1.7.10 Municipal Services: 1.7.1 Heritage Conservation 1.7.12 Comn~unityDevelopment 1.7.13 Environment 1.7.14 Municipal Finance 2. CITY DEVELOPMENTSTRKrEGIES 2.1 Urban Planning 2.1.1 Urbanization Trends 2.1.2 City Development Plans 2.1.3 Goals 2.1.4 Issues: 2.1.5 Strategies: 2.1.6 Progress Indicators: 2.2 Urban Economics 2.2.1 Existing Situation 2.2.2 Issues 2.2.3 Strategies 2.2.4 Progress Indicators: 2.3 Institutional Development 2.3.1 Existing Situation 2.3.2 lssues Identified 2.3.3 Strategies 2.3.4 Progress Indicators 2.4 Urban Transport 2.4.I Existing Situation 2.4.2 lssues 2.4.3 Strategies 2.4.4 Progress Indicators: 2.5 Housing 2.5.1 Existing Situation of KMC 2.5.3- lssues of Housing in Kathmandu 2.5.3 Strategies 2.5.4 Progress lndicators: 2.6 Municipal Services 2.6.1 Existing Situtation 2.6.2 Issues on Municipal Services 2.6.3 Strategies 2.6.4 Progress Indicators: 2.7 Heritage 2.7.1 Existing Situation: 2.7.2 Problems and Issues 2.7.3 Challenges and Possibilities: 2.7.4 Institutional/Legal Arrangements, Conflicts and Gaps 2.7.5 Strategic Policies and Actions 2.7.6 Organizational Setup and Capacity Building 2.7.7 Progress Indicators: 2.8 Community Development 2.8.1 Existing Situation 2.8.2 lssues 2.8.3 Strategies 2.8.4 Progress Indicators: 2.9 Environment 2.9.1 Existing Situation: 2.9.2 Problems and Issues: 7.9.3 Strategies 2.9.4 Progress Indicators: 2.10 Municipal Finance 2.10.1 Existing Situation 2.10.2 Iss~~es(Strategic Challenges) 2.10.3 Strategic Framework 2.10.4. Strategies 2.10.5 Progress Indicators: 3. CITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 3.1 Urban Planning 3.1.1 Current Initiatives in Urban Planning 3.1.2 Proposed Potential Future Projects 3.1.3 Priority Projects 3.2 Urban Economics 3.2.1 Current lnitiatives 3.2.2 Proposal for future projects 3.2.3 Prioritized and Urgent Projects 3.3 Institutional Development 3.3.1 Current initiatives 3.3.2 Proposed future activities and priorities 3.4 Urban Transport 3.4.1 Current lnitiatives 3.4.2 Potential Future Projects 3.4.3 Priority Programs 3.5 HousingAnd Squatter Settlements 3.5.1 Current Initiatives in Housing Development 3.5.2 Proposed Potential Future Projects 3.5.3 Prioritized Programmes and Projects 3.6 Municipal Services 3.6.1 Current Initiatives 3.6.2. Proposed Potential Projects 3.7 Heritage Conservation 3.7.1 Current Initiatives: 3.7.2 Proposals for Future 3.8 Community Development 3.8.1 Current lnitiatives 3.8.2 Roles of Different Stakeholders 3.8.3 Proposal for Future Project 3.9 Environment 3.9.1 Current Initiatives: 3.9.2 Proposal for Future Projects: 3.10 Municipal Finance 3.10.1 Current Initiatives 3.10.2 Proposal for Future Projects 3.10.3 Priorities for Future Projects 4. INTEGRATED PROGRAMS 91 4.1 Methodology Prioritized Strategic lntegrated Package Programs, Priority No. 1: Prioritized Strategic Integrated Package Programs, Priority No. 2: Prioritized Strategic Integrated Package Programs, Priority No. 3: Prioritized Strategic lntegrated Package Programs, Priority No. 4: Prioritized Strategic Integrated Package Programs, Priority No. 5: Prioritized Strategic Integrated Package Programs, Priority No. 6: Prioritized Strategic lntegrated Package Programs, Priority No. 7: Prioritized Strategic integrated Package Programs, Priority No. 8: Prioritized Strategic lntegrated Package Programs, Priority No. 9: Prioritized Strategic lntegrated Package Programs, Priority No. 10: 5. DETAILED PROPOSAL: A CASE STUDY 113 5.1 Proposal for Strengthening Municipal Tax Collection System of KMC 5.1.1 introduction 5.1.2 Background 8r Rationale 5.1.3 The Solution (Proposed System) 6. KATHMANDU'S CURRENT INITIATIVES TOWARDS URBAN INFORMATION SYSTEM 123 6.1 The Context 6.2 Information Strategies of KMC 6.3 KVMP the milestone to information system of KMC 6.4 The Urban lnformation System: Opportunities and Challenges 6.4.1 Opportunities 6.4.2 Challenges EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Executive Summary In conformity with its objective of functioning as a a capital city and large polluting and manufacturing local Government, KMC sought the assistance of the industries should be discouraged immediately and if World Bank forthe preparation of a City Development possible, re-location plans be drawn for existing Strategy (CDS) for Kathmandu. The various sectoral industries in the near future. Alternatively, service and as well as integrated strategies presented in this light industries slloi~ldbe prornoted to replace the document seem to be an overwhelming demand on economic opportunities. Cognizant of the KMC with its limited manpower and money. However, developments occurring in the rest of the world, the a city development strategy is essential if KMC is to Development Plan 2020, prepared by the Ministry of focus its development potential. The optimism lies Physical Planning and Works, has proposed in politicalleadership, enablingenvironment and diversification of information technology in necessary support that will be rendered to KMC Kathmandu. Considering the importance of from civil society. Kathmandu as a cultural and political center as well as physical limitations and the environmental The vision for Kathmandu stressesthe need to develop consequences of uncontrolled urbanization of the the valley as administrative, cultural and touris~n valley, it is imperative to regulatethe future growth center. The strategiesto movetowards that vision of the city and the unplanned expansions occurring through improvement in the overall situation of beyond its immediate borders. Since the statutory the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, however, is plan dating back to 1976 has proven ineffective likely to bea longdrawn struggle, yet achievable. in ensuring its planned development, it i s It has a greater chance of success when an integrated necessary to revise the land use plan and approach with matching sectoral strength is adopted regulationsfor KMCwithin the broad framework along with making the necessary changes in the of the Development Plan 2020. enabling mechanism. The most important step in this direction is to effectively and practically decentralize The vision proposed earlier by the various plans finances and powers to the KMC. This step by itself continue to be relevant. Recently, KMC has is not likely to produce the desired effects in the envisioned to promote Kathmandu as a regional absence of an equally capable and appropriate sports and convention center as well. Given the enabling environment. The central government needs emergence of Kathmandu as an important city in the to play an effective role in the process. However, it is South Asia region, the vision to host larger regional the civil society and the elected members and their activities appears rational and achievable. The increased and dedicated participation in decision- economic advantage for Kathmandu lies in being an making that holds the greatest promise in increasing important capital city in the center of South Asian accountability. CDS and the recommended countries. The SAARC Secretariat is in Kathmandu, programs that are likely to follow in future need and it also symbolizes the acceptance of Kathmandu to be specifically aimed at achieving results.The as an advantageous location for undertaking regional issue of CDS implementation needs to be activities. Of recent, Kathmandu has shown its specifically planned for, rather than hoping for potentiality for hostinginternational level sports the system to take care of it. activities with the successful conclusion of the 8th SAF Games and the first ever international The urban planningstudystrongly recommends that cricket event inthe country. The tourism growth in Kathmandu should beaccorded specialstatus as the valley has increased accornrnodation facilities EXECUTIVE SUMMARY considerably. So, sports facilities for professional should therefore start modestly with one or two small games could be an attractive proposal for Kathmandu. schemes. These can then be used to test the market Weather, political acceptability, security, and build up the necessary capacity in government accommodation facilities are some requirements with and the private sector for implementing the process. which Kathmandu is already endowed. There is a wide range of legislative, regulatory, fiscal and similar support that the government hill be As far as institutional development is concerned, required to provide for the BOT process. A high level the Metropolitan government works primarilythrough review of the present legal and constitutional the limited bureaucratic machinery, which has rigid requirements that may affect the process should structures and little flexibility to work towards its therefore be undertaken. New statutes will have to be stated objectives as mentioned in the Local Self passed and these need to be identified, the legal Governance Act-1 999. The Metropolitan processes instituted, and the standing rules and government, which is burdened with providing regulations within government amended accordingly. mostgoodsand services inaddition to regulatory An equally important aspect is also to explore the and facilitative role, is given the responsibility possibility of local banks' participation in the beyond its existing institutional capacity. The transport sector. The Government should encourage issue of 'Local Self Governance' has so far private banks and institutions to participate in the received only lip service. Although the first fiindingprocess. In the present context, international- decentralization act was enacted in 1982, there has financing institutions are funding approximately always been a problem in executing decentralization 60 to 70 percent of the total cost of the policies due to various reasons. After the restoration development works. If arrangements could be made of democracy in 1990, the decentralization policy for co-financing from local banks through lending continued. However, even after various efforts in the process, major cost sharing will be available and past, the implementation of the decentralization policy hence, will help to a certain degree in financing the is marked by inefficient and ineffective institutional transport sector. capacities of local bodies. Therefore, it can be conclusively said that the most important Urban areas in KMC are not designated by a filnctional dimensions of CDS implementation in the KMC and occupational structure or contiguity criteria for perspective i s to strengthen its institutional managing housing and squatter settlements. foundation and capacity respectivelyto improve Housingproblems are a serious challenge in a situation its performance.KMC needs to have a clear mission where a historically planned city i s fast and sound legal base,to be part ofthe right constituency, transforming itself into a trade-cum-service and also necessary to have good leadership and center. On the other hand, it is encouraging to adequateresources, if its activitiesareto have relevance note that despite the absence of city specific and effectiveness. policies and programs for housing, slums and squatters, the communities are highly organized The CDS analysis on transportation sector shows and are gradually improving their conditions at that there is ascope for privatesector involvement their own costs, which sliows their potential for in road infrastructure investment and management mobilization in participatory home i~nprove~nent using the BOT and other processes. However, it must programs. Increasing pro-poor arid supportive be stressed here that BOT process is not an easy interventionsofNGOs, CB0s and donor agencies also route for the government to take and it will place open avenues for the i~nprove~nentof slums and heavy demands on the bureaucracy. Such a program squatter settlements in the city. There are also equal EXECUTIVE SUMMARY opportunities for existingfinancecompaniesand these 'external sectors' than simple conservation of co-operatives to invest in housing develop~nent elements of physical heritage. Such strategic programs in a conducive environment, for which KMC application of policies and approaches, which have could play a facilitating role. been conspicuously absent currently, will have to be central in the heritage context of the CDS for KMC. IVost of the Municipal Services (Infrastructure) in KMC are interdependent and interlinked. After a As community development aspects encompass carefill reevaluation ofpublic sector participation and each and every segment of the human endeavor, they management of the infrastructural sector, it has should be closely linked with all develop~nentprocess. beco~ne clear that the key to successful However, in many of the development sectors, the infrastructural service delivery lies on co- direct involvelnent of the community people is not ordination and integration of activities. The key necessary, but they need to have certain level of to successfi~lmanagement also lies in efficient concerns in all matters. Communication beingone mobilization of social. financial and organizational of the strong tools to bring about human resources. It must be noted here that the sectoral behavioral changes, KMC should try to build a governmentagencies suchas roads, water supply, consensus on such concerns with its mass power supply etc. will need to change their populace. By upgrading its Co~nmunicationand approaches drastically to improve the situation. Information Department, KMC could disseminate its The municipality itself will need to develop an messages to [liemass and specific comm~mitiesalike. effective and efficient operational procedureand adopt Many ofthe CD worhs at local level could be initiated policies, which will address the urban problem. The by reviving the existing Guthis, local and traditional legal fratliework should spell out an appropriate fiscal institutionsand user groups. Similarly,the local NGOs ~nechanis~n.The ~nunicipalitymust be consistentnot and 1NGOs (including youth clubs and private only in its approach to set goals on blue print, associations) could be good assets to initiate various but alsoon delivering basic services to the public. CD worl\s within the ~nunicipalityarea. Sense of Elaluation of achievelnents should be ~~ndertaken ownership i s the prime component in frequently to see ~ h ahas been achieved and also to t participatory development processto sustain the determine how to overcome the emerging problems. CD program. 'Therefore, involvement of the l'he Staheholdcrs' active involvement is the hey to concerned stakeholders should be guaranteed at each promote and sustain development programs in and every event. Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The shape and character of the KMC's future KMC's involvement in heritage conservation has environmental problems will be different from the only recently started and still follows the '~nonunient past experiences. During the early years ti I Ithe 1970s, approach'. It is only beginning to discuss potential the process of urbanization and industrialization was use of this resource for direct economic gains at in its infancy, the magnitude of the problelns were institutional level. Being an extant resource subjected well ~iithincontrol, and the concerned Ministries and to transformation andlor loss through actions from Departments including the KMC, were able to keep outside rather than from within, and forming a pace with the changing trends. the development complex ambient background to the city rather as a activities in the later decades have caused developmental entity in a general sense, considerable and consistent escalation of incorporation of conservation in development environment-related problems, for which strategies demands 'filtered actions' more from technological solutions and action plans must be other sectors and indirect policy interventions from sought at the earliest lest Kathmandu and the MMARY KMC will be compelled to bear the brunt of the the economic base of KMC i s so weak that most irredeemable national crisis. The need for extractionof more revenuewould require radical a gargantuan transport system to cater to the changes inthe structure of KMC'sproperty taxes. thousands of commuters everyday, serves as a good example in this context. All such essential Finally, continued decentralization and increased services are no longer of local purport and delegation of authority to KMC (as a special substantially draw upon the nation's resources. The metropolitan city) are essential to make KMC more pattern of living of Kathmandu's residents have accountable and induce it to expand its response base. led to air-noise pollution, traffic congestion and A set of goals, in accordance with priority, has been dearth of space. What is more important, the identifiedfor KMC after intensiveanalysis of the goals conflicts arising between the national and emerging achievement matrix by the CDS team. The practical human environment and the rapid changes in the approach to CDS implementation will be to work basic urban system have disrupted the ecological towards these following goals: and social balance. Hence, degradation of the environment, especially air, water and land, through 1. Improvement of KMC's financial status and indiscriminate discharge and mismanagement of managerial capacity to ensure good urban solid waste must not be cost-free as it currently is management; in the valley. The high incidence of polluted air and 2 . Planned and integrated development of land, water in KMC indicate the need for setting infrastructure, housing and transport; environmental quality standards. KMC authorities 3. lmprove and conserve/preserve the natural and need to address these by demanding mandatory manmade environment to keep the city clean, standards from concerned agencies. green and healthy; 4. Conservelpreservethe physical and cultural Urbanization in KMC demands rapid expansion of heritage of the city; services and infrastructure facilities and puts 5. Promote private sector involvement in city considerable strain on municipal finance. These development works; demands have mostly been tackled by central 6. Improve co-ordination among agencies government interventions. However, financial involved in development activities in the city; problems at national level have led to shortfalls in 7. Increase public awareness and involve them financing of KMC's infrastructure develop~nent.The in city development process; major source of revenue for KMC was trade tax 8. Ensure adequate supply of affordable (including octroi). After abolition of octroi, KMC housing; has suffered significantly in terms of financial 9. Promote appropriate economic policies and resource generation. The very low own-source activities to reduce poverty and ~~nemployment revenue of KMC and the sharp decline in per capita in the city; own-source revenue clearly indicate that KMC has 10. Develop clear policy OII urban squatter not realized fully its revenue potential. Further, settlements. Background 1.1 INTRODUCTION cultural and tourism center. There seems to be an implicit agreement among stakeholders to retain this The Kathmandu Metropolitan City had requested the vision. In addition to this, it hasalso been proposed World Bank for technical assistance for the preparation to establish Kathmandu as a regional sports and of a city development strategy. Accordingly, a team of convention center. ten individual consultants was recruited for the period July 2000 - January 200 1 to assist KMC in this task. During the stakeholders' workshops (1" and 2nd)some The heads of departments of KMC served as counterpart specificvision statementsweresuggestedforthecity,which members and worked closely with the team during the are as follows: preparation of the CDS. Cleanest and healthiest city in Nepal The first stakeholders' workshop was held on 25Ih o Financially strong, managerially efficient and August 2000. The strategies were broadly identified capable metropolitan city to provide quality, during this meeting and the vision statement was also effective, efficient and sustainable urban services drafted. Following the first stakeholders' meeting a and facilities to its citizens. diapostic report was prepared on each ofthe ten sectors, Clear strategy, well planned city and housing for all namely urban planning. urban economics, institutional o Well managed infrastructure and safetransportation development. urban transport, housing and squatter settlements, municipal services, heritage conservation, The CDS for Kathmandu has attempted to resolve community development, environment and municipal current issues identified by the stakeholders through finance. entitled 'City Diagnostic Report for commonly agreed strategies that ultimately lead towards Kathmandu'. The findings of the diagnostic reports on the attainment of the vision for the city. each of the above ten sectors were also used to supplertlent the output from the workshop to prepare a draft CDS, which was p~~blishedfor comments on 7lh 1.3 COALS January 300 1. Prior to the finalization of the draft CDS, the strategies were intensively discussed during separate Based on the vision for the city and a thorough analysis focused group meetings with the concerned experts. held of the sectoral goals achievement matrix, the following on 14-15 December 2000. The findings ofthedraft CDS order of priority for different goals has been identified: were then presented for further discussions during the final and second stakeholders' meeting held on 17"' o lmprovertlent of KMC's financial status and January 200 1. A video conference was also organized managerial capacity to ensure good urban to get necessary inputs from the World Bank on 29'" management (An important and vital prerequisite January 200 1 . The tinal CDS report has been prepared for CDS implementation); after incorporation of all the changes and suggestions o Planned and integrated development of land, proposed during the second stakeholders' meeting infrastructure, housing and transportation; including the video conference with the World Bank. o Improve and conservelpreserve the natural and man- made environment to keep the city clean, green and healthy; 1.2 -rHE VISION CI Conservelpreserve the physical and cultural heritage of the city; Previous studies as well as the 9th Plan have envisaged O Promote private sector involvement in city developing Kathmandu into an administrative, developmea works; CITY DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY o Improve coordination among agencies involved in perfonname of most ofthe sectoral government agencies development activities in the city; such as roads, water supply, power supply etc. 0 Increase public awareness and involve them in the city development process; Donor assistance in KMC must be seen in terms of 0 Ensure adequate supply of affordable housing; its ability to expand the infrastructure, improvethe 0 Promote appropriate economic policies and quality of environment and promotion of tourism activities to reduce poverty and unemployment in base. The opportunities to exchange ideas with the city and advanced municipalities should be seriouslytaken Develop a clear policy on urban squatter settlements. up by KMC. Policy should, therefore, be oriented towards promotingnon-traditional support through execution of visible projects. A complimentary policyof efficiency in donor-funded projects is also 1.4 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION important for expanding external support. Implementation of the various programs recommended Continued decentralization and increased delegation of in CDS will be a major challenge for KMC. The CDS, authority to KMC (as a special municipality) are essential if implemented in stages in accordance with prioritized to make KMC more accountable and induce it to expand goals, can have a marked impact on achieving KMC's its response base. Some of the factors needed to overall vision. However, it must be emphasized here implemc~ltCDS are outlined below. that plan implementation is entirely different from plan formulation. In order to show commitment to CDS I . Central Government support to enhance the implementation, KMC must initiate a process of organizational, administrative, and technical finalizing projects, with its city council members. the capabilities of KMC. elected board members, and stakeholders. The m i o r 2. Capable and trained managerial and technical challenge ahead for successful CDS implenientatio~iwill personnel should be provided, as well as be to mobilize resources and coordinate the activities. mechanisms to retain such personnel in KMC. 3. KMC needs clear functional responsibilities and proper co-ordination mechanism regarding CDS. 1.5 MAJORISSUES AND OPTIONS 4. Authority for the imposition of various taxes should FOR CDS IMPLEMENTAI-ION: be delegated to KMC. 5. Gradually devolve responsibility for infrastructure Two major issues for CDS implementation in the future and services (specially power supply, water supply, are (i) the need to allocate scarce resources efficiently roads, solid waste management etc.) to KMC. and promote private sector participation which will 6. Provide KMC with legal authority to impose user- generate additional income, resources, and eniployment, service charges on a cost-recovery basis, tied to the and (ii) the need to set high institutional and manpower quality of service provided. standards, supported by rules and regulations, legislation, 7. KMC should be encouraged to take maximum and economic incentives to follow a regionally advantage of the development of valley real estate compatible (South and South East Asia) path in future. in the mobilization of valley resources. The smallness of KMC's size in terms of big South 8. KMC should be authorized to identify and promote Asian cities does not diminish its importance both "desirable" industries in the valley in close co- nationally and regionally. Policies must begin to operation with other municipalities. address those issues that have elements of tremendous 9. Remove impediments to private sector initiatives by opportunities in KMC. rationalizing administrative and legal procedures. 10. Support private szctor initiatives in city greening and Growth and employment will continue to be crucial to environment protection projects. KMC's development. Proper policies and a fully 1 1 . Provideliberal loansto KMC from financial institutions. qualified team of professionals in KMC are needed to assure KMC's growth, expansion of econonlic activities, The measures outlined in the CDS report are both eff~cientuse of resources etc. Public sector participation sectoral as well as integrated into packages for and management of the infrastructural sector should be implementation. The sectoral approach has been adopted reevaluated, especially in the light ofthe contin~~allypoor to make KMC departments and sectoral agencies of the BACKGROUND central government to be able to act swiftly wherever i) Environment possible.The integrated packages will assist KMC in j) Municipal Finance identifying projects that can have a synergy in other areas also. A large part of the recommendations are non- investment activities and arc more geared towards management capabilities and re-orientation of 1.7 THE KMC IN PERSPECTIVE approaches and current investments. Much greater emphasis is needed on giving due importance to 1.7.1 Location integrated approach and yet maintain the overall positive impact of sectoral activities on KMC. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), the capital and the largest city ofNepal, is situated in Kathmandu Valley. The transition towards a (i) liveable, (ii) competitive. which is located between the latitudes 27'32'13" and (iii) well-governed and managed and (iv) bankable 27"40110"north and longitudes 85"1 1'31 " and 85'3 1'38" Kathmandu is a distant but achievable vision. Some niay east. The Valley lies at a mean elevation of about 1350m. even see C'DS as an unnecessary academic exercise. above sea level and comprises the three districts of tlowever. it makes good sense to begin taking the first Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur covering an area step in the form of KCDS, since KMC can and will of about 667 sq. kni. 'The Valley is bowl shaped with benefit from this exercise. Indeed, CDS for KMC must rivers flowing towards the center and merging with be predicated on the prognosis of KMC's and central Bagmati River, which drains out through the Chobhar governlnent's efforts including donor conimunity's Gorge, located to the southwest. support that are likely to influence the implementation of CDS. There are five municipalities and over a dozen traditional agricultural settlements along with 99 village development conimittees within the valley (see fig. I). 1.6 PLAN ELEMENTS The municipalities of Lalitpur and Kirtipur abut KMC in the south and soutlicvest respectively, forming a unified The CDS has been divided into ten individual but nietropolitan area. The municipalities of Madhyapur interrelated urban sector elements and a separate chapter Tliinii and Bhaktapur lie a few kilometers to the east of on integrated approach. This format is not only simple KMC. The municipal area of KMC encompasses about and enables each element to be dealt with in a more 50.8 sq. km. and conlprises 35 wards ofwhich 12 wards focused manner, it also allows KMC or other donor cover the historic city core (see fig. 2). agencies to select the sector of their priority or choice. It is also to be noted that to accom~nodatethe desire to Table 1: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City at a Glance: tackle issues in an integrated and holistic manner, this report has included an integrated approach as well and Administrative Area (kms): 50.8 additional packaged and integrated strategies are also Total city population (1991) 421258 Density (personiha) (1991) included. Tlii~s,it was considered prudent to take the 84 Infant mortality (per 1,000 population) 66.78 sectornl as well as integrated approach in the preparation Average Income US$ 430 ofthe CDS. Past experience has also shown that sectoral Hospital Beds per 1,000 4.93 and integrated strategies, which try to embrace niultiple DustiSuspended Particles (ugim3) 375 elements, tend to be niore doable and thereby are more Waterisewerage coverage 60 likely to be implemented. I ectricity service coverage 100 I 1 xephone service coverage 80 Tlze secforalelemenfsof fhe CDS are: a) Urban Planning b) Urban Econoniics KMC is connected to the Mahendra Highway, which is c) Institutions the main trunk route traversing the country, through the d) Urban Transport Tribliuvan Highway and Prithvi Highway. The Arniko e) Housing and Squatter Settlements Highway connects it to the China border in the northeast. f) Municipal Services KMC has the only international airport of the country g) f-ieritage and is also connected by air to many towns and district h) Cornniunity Development lieadquarters of the country. Fig. 1 SETTLEMENTS IN KATHMANDUVALLEY \ \ ') .\ L.-.-.J-.-.-. 0 2 4 6 8km scale Kathmandu City DevelopmentStrategy Source C 8.Shrestha and M. S. Manandhar. 1994 CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 1.7.2 History With the unification ofNepal by the Shahs, in 1768, the town of Kathmandu became the capital of the nation. The history of Kathmandu town is as old as the The building of the towering Nautale pavilion of the urbanization of the valley itself that started about a Hanumandhoka palace physically marks this eventful little over two thousand years ago in the proto-historic conclusion ofhistory and the beginning ofmodem times. Kirata period. Several Kirata settlements such as Yambi (now Indrachowk), Jama(Jama1) and Lanjagvala (Lagan) were located on the crossings of 1.7.3 Population trade route, that passed through the core area of Kathmandu city, survived today by the Bhinisenthan- The national population of Nepal was 18.5 million in Kamalachhi route. About 2nd Century, in-between this 1991 and is currently estimated to be about 22.9 million. route and the banks of river , Bishnumati, the Lichchhavis settled Table 2: Population of Kathmandu Valley Municipalities Daxina-Koligrama. To its east, another Kirata settlement of 1981 1991 2001 2011 Andipringga had been expanded into Kathmandu 235,160 421,258 729,690 1,011,105 the capital city in I st Century ca. Lalitpur 79,875 115,865 163,923 229,852 Bhaktapur 48,472 61,405 74,707 105,561 Also, further to the east, the religious Kirtipur 37,877 46,477 town of Deopatan was settled. Madhyapur Thimi 39,988 49,767 Chronicles and legends refer to this Total 363,507 598,528 1,046,185 1,442,762 conglomeration, now KMC. %share of Kathmandu 64.7% 70.4% 69.7% 70.1% variously as Manjupattan, Bishalnagar, etc. Manadeva, the famed Lichchhavi king of 5th century, had a stone water conduit built at Kel-tole area to service The population of KMC grew from 235,160 in 1981 to the wayfarers along the main highway. By the 7th century 42 1,258 in 1991 registering an annual growth rate of 6 its trading links had extended to India and Tibet and an percent. The population is projected to reach 729,690 extensive urban culture had developed by the end of the in 200 1 and l,0 l 1,105 in 20 1 1. KMC's share of the Lichchhavi period, ca.9th century.Gunakamadeva, a 10th valley's urban population is expected to remain steady Century ruler, is said to have restructured the city arid at about 70%, whereas its share of the national urban named it Kantipura, presumably in the shape of a sword, population is expected to decline from 24.1% in 1991 Khadga, with thirty three gateways and associated temples to about 20% in 200 1 and 18.2% in 3-01 I . of Shakti mother-goddesses. Popular meniory has it that he constructed a palace, Gunapo pa, in Hanumandhoka Because ofthecentralization of administrative, political, area, giving Kathmandu a capital role brietly in I lth tourism, economic and industrial activities in the valley, century. By 1143, the temple of Kashthamandapn was large-scale in-migration has occurred in the cities of the already a landmark giving its name to the city. Despite valley, with KMC absorbing more than 83% of the the shift of capital to Bhaktapur, the conimercial role of migrants in 1991 . Migrants also accounted for 19.4% the twin cities, popularly called Ya~nbuand Yangalathen, of KMC's population in 1991 and 52% ofthe population increased steadily. With the split of the valley into growth of the city during the 1981-91 period. Migration 'brotherly Malla city states', in 1482, Kathmandu became has been one of the major factors for the city's rapid the capital, albeit of the city-state. expansion as well as acute housing problems. Because of rapid ~~rbanizationin the rest of the country, the share The Malla capital city, with a physical and Hindu ritual of migration in the city's population is, however, nucleus at Hanumandhoka Palace and around it, grew expected to gradually decline in the future. with remarkable urban civic life and social structure with fundatnental increase in conimercial activities and niomentous development of art and architecture 1.7.4 Population Density followed. Great builder kings were to leave their works as landmark heritage in the city exemplified by The overall gross population density of Greater Hanumandhoka palace and the tetnples in the square Kathmandu, which includes KMC and Lalitpur, was around it. 60-65 ppha in 1987. KMC had a gross population OPMENT S density of about 84 ppha in 1991 (see fig. 3) and this Of the total KMC municipal area of 5076 ha, in 1995, was expected to increase to 144 ppha in 200 1. The 3273 ha of land were under mixed residential1 densities were highest in the city core, ranging from 1067 conlmercial use Although vacantlopen land1 VIP area ppha in ward 27 to 419 ppha in ward 22 in 199I . etc. covered 1314ha, apart from pockets of inaccessible Densities tended to decrease sharply in the outlying or marginal lalid, the actual easily develobable land wards. The current low densities in the wards outside available is probably much less. KMC in fact suffers the city core are a result of inefficient land uses and from an acute shortage of open public land. The unplanned growth. For a city like KMC it would KVTDC study had identified quite a significant appear desirable to maintain a gross density of not amount of land in the city occupied by the army, less than 300 ppha. By increasing densities in the outer police, jail and other non-central government wards through appropriate policies and revised offices which could be relocated to release land regulations and bylaws, much of the city's future essential for critical urban functions. The city also population growth could easily be accommodated within had some unused and unproductive guthi or trust land the city area. within its area which could be acquired to provide essential services for the city. 1.7.5 Urban Planning and Land Use Earlicr, industrial establishmentswere located primarily in designated industrial estates. As the city grew Continuous efforts had been made in the past without any strongregulatory measures, industries few decades to manage the urban expansion were set up all over the city, sometimes resulting process of the city. City development plans were in incompatible land uses. As planning regulations prepared and implemented at different stages. However, were enforceable only within the municipal boundaries, because of various shortcomings in the plans and rclated industries began to be located outside the jurisdictional regulations as well as their weak implementation, the areas of the city, especially along the highway towards city grew haphazardly as per the demands and Thankot and in the stretch betwcen KMC and Rhaktapur. preferences of individual landowners and brokers, rather -rile thrust towards the east is expected to accelerate once than according to any professionally proposed plan. the highway connecting Kathmandu to Sindhuli and the Today urbanization has spilled over beyond the city eastern part ofNepal is completed in a few years time. limits, which makes it even more difficult to regulatc the growth of the city. If left unattended, the urbanization process threatens to engulftheentire valley, with serious 1.7.6 Economy consequences for the valley's natural and built environment and severe pressure on the already Kathmandu has grown into a metropolitan city. Nepal inadequate infrastructure services. Living Standard Survey (1996) had estimated its per capita income at more than Rs. 24,000 i.e. US $ 430 at Urban land use in the Kathmandu Valley grew from 3096 the rate then prevailing. Only about 3 percent of this ha in 1984 to 9193 ha in 2000. Agriculture land income had originated from the agriculture sector. decreased correspondingly from 40.950 ha in I984 to According to liousehold Budget Survey (1999), only 27,570 in 2000(see fig. 4). 15 percent of employed people were engaged in agriculture. The challenges and opportunities of Kathmandu have attracted people from different parts of the country and accordingly its population growth Table 3: KathmanduMetropolitanCity Land Use 1995 I rate is estimated at 6 percent per annunl. Migration of Land Use Area in ha. % qualified and better-off people have made it the most Mixed residential/commercial 3273.6 -- 64.5 competitive city in the country, and has helped in its Commercial/industriaI 82.6 1.6 prosperity. In stark contrast to the economic Institutional 239.2-. 4.7 scenario, KMC is burdened with the ever-growing Transport (airportibusterminal) 166.3 3.3 problems of population pressure, transportation Others(vacanvopenland,VIParea,squatter) 1314.3 25.9 Total and traffic management, conservation of its -- 5076 100 declining heritage, urbanization induced environmental problems of pollution and solid URBAN EXPANSION TREND IN KATHMANDU VALLEY 1984 1991 2000* 2015 KATHMANDU CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Source Kalhmandu Valley Urban Road Development, JlCA 1993 Kalhrnandu Valley Development Plan 2020. 2000 waste management etc. In short, the city cannot be form of a local government rather than just as a left unattended. local body in the years ahead. However, there are a number of institutional issues which have to be taken Understandably, its human development indicators are into account before KMC can fully function as a local also quite high. Kathmandu district has recorded the government in the future. These issues are categorized highest life expectancy at birth at 67 years, adult literacy into three headings: foundation, capacity and rate at more than 70 percent, and human development performance. Timely consideration of these issues by index at 0.603. Female literacy rate and female KMC and other related agencies could be the basis not participation rate in the labor force is significantly high only to implement CDS but also to develop KMC as a for Kathmandu. strong local governing institution. Newars are the dominant ethnic group of Kathmandu. However, due to migration, its relative position is 1.7.8 Urban Transport gradually eroding. Multi-ethnic groups exist now in the city. With the improvements in air and road linkages, The current status of transport sector in Kathmandu the number of mobile people is also increasing. The Valley is quite alarming in the absence ofwell-organized employment opportunities are diverse both horizontally system. The city is experiencing various problems in and vertically. Qualification and labor productivity divide the transport sector. The growth of vehicles and the people vertically while diverse employment simultaneous lack of improvement of the existing opportunities show a horizontal variation as well. facilities and traffic management have resulted in disorganized movement of traffic thereby increasing Family structure is getting rapidly fragmented into small congestion, accidents and decrease in vehicle speeds unit families. Number of households with both husband affecting road capacity. At the sametime, organizational and wife working has been on the increase. Apartment deticiencies, enforcement of law and order contributed housing units for multi-families is coming into existence. considerably to slackness in proper movement of Mix of cultures is quite rapid due to diversity in ethnic vehicles and pedestrians. Also due to the financial composition and also due to cable TV channels. constraints, desired qua1ity and quantity of road net work Traditional culture and values are losing their system (see fig. 5) and introduction of different modes prominence. Modern concrete structures have replaced of transport could not be attained. the traditional landscape of Kathmandu. Concerted efforts are now required to preserve the traditional cultural heritages ofwhich Kathmandu is so proud. There 1.7.9 Housing is a growing realization even among the youths for the need to preserve and promote cultural practices and In 1991 the total number of housing units in KMC was cultural heritages, and such realization has resulted into estimated to be 53,3 I 1 while the deficit was estimated some serious efforts to rehabilitate the cultural plxctices. at 10,942 housing units. About 30?& percent of the and find ways to preserve cultural heritages on a sustainable basis. Table 4: Growth in Squatter Settlementsin Kathmandu I Year No of No. of Population Remarks 1.7.7 Institutional Development Settlements Households 1985 17 2,134 One of the fundamental problems of KMC is its inability to mobilise resources. KMC needs regular source of funds for making administrative and capital expenditure. It is clear that KMC has to be adequately prepared to face problems of environment, community, 2000 61 2,031 11,862 Includes. heritage conservation, land management and housing settlements of adjacent in the near future. Thus, the main thrust of this study VDCs is to ascertain how to make KMC institutionally capable to serve the city dwellers. In this perspective, it is imperative to develop KMC in the CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY at 10,942 housing units. About 30% percent of the 1.7.1 0 Municipal Services: houses were found to be rented. Observingthe trends inthe numberof housesbeingconstructedannually The present condition of roads and traffic within and accountingfor the increase in population, it is Kathmandu Metropolitan City i s very poor, estimated that there will be a shortfall of about requiring entire resurfacing of roads along with 33,160 housing units by the year 2001. improvements in traffic management at the road junctions as these contribute to the ineffective use of The major contributors to the housing supply in the city tile availrlblc road space. Elsewhere, outside the Ring are the private owner builders. They also provide the Road, new access roads need to be developed for longer- majority of rental units. Gover~inientinitiative in this tcrrn service expansion. regard has been limited primarily to providing liousing to government elnployees. Private sector housing has Drinking water distribution pipelines are very tended to cater to middle and high-income families. Land old and in need of urgent replacement. (see fig. developed by the brokers lias also tended to be ineflicient 7). There is no system for leakage detection and with poor access and inadequate or no infrastructi~re controlling program for bulk metering facilities. The services. This is due mainly to the inability ol'brokers city has many industries, institutional and to legally assenible parcels of land, poor financial com~nercialestablishments that consume large backing and inadequate knowledge of planning volumes of water and need to be relocated outside standards. tlie valley. Most of the drains are blocked and the Municipality as well as NWSC generally fail to A substantial market in rental accommodation is known initiate legal action against those who repeatedly to occur in the slums of Kathmandu. mainly in the inner create such problems. The chambers and branch city areas witli poor access. While owner occupied rental connection of sewers are in need o f immediate units tend to be comparatively better maintained. cleaning. Construction and rehabilitation works need exclusive rental units tend to be poorly maintained and to bc undertaken with the involvement of tlie local lack proper sanitation and infrastructure services. L,ow conimunities. income rental units are also prone to severe overcrowding with a family of 4.8 occupying a single Waste is often not deposited in containers due to room with an average size of 120sq. li. Renters comprise lack o f motivation a n d s u p p o r t from local primarily of migrated labor, petty trade workers and communities. Route optimization technique has not street vendors. been applied by tlie municipality to avoid overlapping o f services for collection of waste. Unauthorized occupancy of land and buildings is a Similarly, the concept of source separation and growing phenomenon in KMC, supported at times recycling of waste has yet to be applied. KhlC through political backing. Squatter settlements has been unable to involve the stakeholders in have grown in number from 17 in 1985 to 61 in contributing towards the capital cost and electricity 2000, the majority of them located on marginal charges of strcet lighting. NEA has also failed to public land along the riversides (see fig.6). Tlie introduce innovative street lighting schemes with current population of the squatter settlements is proper planning, design & installation including estimated at 11,862. An additional 40% of squatters rebates in capital cost. are estimated to be occupying public buildings bringing the total squatter population lo about 19,770. Traders and squatters are occupying many of the The housing condition of the squatter settlements tend open spaces of the city. KMC is currently initiating to correspond to their age with the newer settlements city greening through stakeholder and entrepreneur generally niade up o f temporary structures and involvement, which needs to be further promoted and progressing to more permanent structures over the continued. Development o f privately operated passage of time. The proliferation and continuation recreation parks on Gutlii and private land in of squatter settlernents is due mainly to the laissez cooperation witli stakeliolders need t o be faire attitude of the government, growing disparity in encouraged. Greening also needs to be initiated housing affordability and the failure to formulate along the Green Belt of the ring road with active specific policies regarding squatter settlernents. participation of local colnlnunity and stakeholders. 2- p 'C g? z s 3 - '3 2 6 S r n 2 z 6 0a '2 s- g ; ._ m m .- . I - . - I;I 5 , zY Zg gz ' j g = . ~ 2 5 . - 2 z= z 3 . s r n i E L @ O S S - 6 2 I - 5 5 m .C .p rn z ~m s a s a3 r n Yg ~a E 0 $:.% S $ e a ; P = N I-, 2 a 3 crn s c + E ~ i ; +E' m.,,.m 3 x Sd a ~ $ r n s r n s m u m m + 9 5; 2 0 r 0 fi 0 BACKGROUND 1.7.11 Heritage Conservation commoners alike used to establish such social entities to perform different forms of social services. Such With its urban history going as far back as 1500 years, institutions continue to hold great influence over socio- Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) shares a cultural and community developriient initiatives within significant portion of the world famous built heritagc 01' the Newar cthnic group of the valley. Kathmandu valley (KV). Within its jurisdiction lie four of the seven monuments zones constituting Establishment of modern organizations to initiate social the KV World Heritage Site (KVWHS) as listed by welfare programs in the country started only in the 40s. UNESCO. Apart from these monument zones. namely In spite of the rigid political power structure some Kathmandu Durbar Square, Paslii~patinatli,Svayan~bli~~commendable social welfare institutions were and Baudda, there are many more, less known sites of established in the country during the Panchayat regime buildings or other forms of cultural heritage, which are ( 1 962- 1989). llnder strict Government regulation, Nepal as, or more, importatrt from the standpoint of the living did make considerable efforts to set the foundation of culture of the people. The ancient sites of Pachali comlnunity development process during this period. Bhairava and Machali, Teku, Naxal and Hadigaon, Ilowever, the main thrust was directed towards the rural Chabel Ganesh and Dhando Chaitya, Balaju and Mhepi, communities. to name a few, carry significant emotional. religious and cultural values for the people. The Kathmandu Valley In spite of the high amount of public services and inventory lists as many as 256 individual monuments opportunities available in the Kathmandu City in and monument sites in the historic core, alone. 'The colnparison to other par-tsof the country,the city's socio- importance of heritage to KMC accrues because of its cultural values have suffered considerable damage. The paramount role in defining the visual and cultural usual patternof socio-economicchange manifested environment of the city core and hence of the city as a by more materialistic and individualistic behavior whole. The listing of the four monument zones of KMC is being observed in KMC as more people have within the KVWHS, which cited the heritage value as begun to show indifference towards community "~~nparalleled the world" in 1978, has further added in work. responsibility to KVC as a repository of the hcritage of mankind too. Recent debates and concerns of the The low priorityaccorded to urban areas as well as country on possible impendingaction of UNESCO the lack of proper planning processduringthe last of putting KVWHS in "endangered list" more than four decades could be identified as the prime drives home the point that the cultural heritage of factors hampering the development process in KMC and other sites have acquired a 'national KathmanduValley. Presently, KMC has 12departments identity' status and has become a matter of pride within its organizational structure to undertake various for Nepal in the international committeeof nations. community development activities. The Social Welfare For the image of the city and the identity and pride of Department is the niain unit to look after community the nation, and more so, because oftheir continuing loss developnient programs but its activities are very limited. and threats to the city from developmental pressures, The indifference toward CD activities of the mass city development strategy for KMC needs to actively populace, inadequacy of financial and human resources protect, conserve and promote the physical and other along with weak managerial capacity have highly heritage so that its culti~ralirnage definition is retained constrained the CD activities in KMC. Given its present and enhanced. circumstances, coordination and integration of programs is one of the main challenging issues of KMC. 1.7.12 Community Development The available recor-ds ol' Social Welfare Council show During the past decades, Kathmandu City has observed that there are 2,68'1 NGOs and lNCOs in operation and experienced various forms of community within KMC to undertake various community development approaches. In the past medieval society development initiatives. It has been also observed that of Nepal, establishment of different fornis of "Guthis" the prevailing situation and constraints within KMC has was a common practice to carry out various social also hampered it from taking a leading role in services and community development activities. People streamlining collective efforts in the development belonging to the royalty and affluent class along with process. KMC should try to provide additional EGY .. momentum to CD programs in the city by reorienting considerable strain on municipal finance. Inthe context and restructuring its present structure and CD policies of municipal finance, KMC is characterized by low in line with the emerging trends and Local Self- collectionof taxes, insufficient and under-qualified Governance Act. staff, dependency on the central government for the local development fee, and weak financial monitoring and evaluation. KMC's own funds have 1.7.13 Environment not been able to keep pace with the incremental rate of urbanization, fast growing population, and increasing The population growth, land use changes and the demand for its services. economic scenario m ~ sbe t seen in thecontext of KMC's environment. The conditions with respect to basic However, there exist various opportilnities in the area infrastructure in Kathmanduare intrinsically related of municipal finance. If KMC as a local government to the environmental quality. While many of the has to provide effective and efficient municipal services environmental problems faced by the valley have been to the people, it must have a dependable source of income contributed by inappropriate or inadequate or independent of outside grants including those from substandard infrastructure, the pressure on existing central government. There is an urgent need for KMC infrastr~~ctureis already great and is likely to deteriorate to strengthen its capability and conlpetence to enllance further. A large number of the environmental revenue and mobilize resources as per the provisions of problems seen in the KMC are strongly related to the LSGA. Besides resource mobilization, the combined the poor quality of existing infrastructure including effort of elected rcpsesentatives and bureaucratic the fact that economic activities and urban structure through timely and planned intervention could development have outstripped the capacity for bririg change in different sectors such as budgeting, maintenance, upgrading and expansion of private sector participation, and accounting & financial infrastructure. reporting procedures. 1.7.14 Municipal Finance [Jrbanization in KMC demands rapid expansion of services and infrastrilcture facilities and puts City Development Strategies -- --- -- 2.1 URBAN PLANNING Without proper plans and regulations to control and guide urban development of the city, low-density 2.1.1 Urbanization Trends urbanization threatens to prevail within the existing city area and to encroach unchecked into the Although urban expansion outside the compact historic s~~rroundingVillage Development Corntnittees. city core area had begun in tlie 19th century during the Rana regime when large palace co~nplexeswere built away from the city, rapid urban growth of the city 2.1.2 City Development Plans occu~redonly after the political changes of 1950. '1'1ie city grew initially in the east, north-east and north on The statutory land use plan for KMC dates back to 1976. easily accessible well drained highlands along the major 'The plan is out of date and can no longer function as a arterial roads. I!rban growth acccleratcd further during docunient to effectively regulate and guide the the 1970s and 80s. especially after the construction of development of the city. Without zoning regulations, the ring road, as more areas were made accessible and detailed area plans or coordinated irifrastructure today covers most of the ~nunicipalareas, including the development programs the plan has not been able to low-lying flood plains. control the unplanned haphazard growth of the city. Attempts had been made in the past to revise and update The urbanizatio~process in KMC has been the plan. [Jnfortunately, none of the later plans here haphazard and inefficient and of less than desired officially approved for implementation. density with many of the developed areas suffering from poor access and deficiency in The Kathmandu Valley Town Development Cornrnittee infrastructure services. In the absence of any under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works and regulato~ycontrol\. urban growth has also spilled over the Department of Urban Development and Building into t h e surrounding Village Development Construction is currently responsible for preparing Committees and in the east, connecting KMC to physical development plans for KMC and monitoring Madhyapur 'fliimi and Bhaktapur ~nunicipalities. its iinplementation. Since 1994 KVTDC has transferred Table 5: Actual and Projected Populatioin of Kathmandu Valley. I MunicipalityNDC Population Annual Growth Rate ---- 1971 1981 1991 2001 201 1 2021 71-81 81-91 91-01 01-11 11-21 Kathmandu M C 150,402 235,160 421,258 729,690 1,011,105 -- 4.57 6.00 5.65 1,382,298 3.32 3.18 Lalitpur SMC 59,049 79,875 115,865 --229,852 163,923 319,655 3.07 3.79 3.53 3.44 3.35 --- 40,112 48,472 61,405 74,707 105,561 147,983 1.91 2.39 1.98 3.52 3.44 - Bhaktapur M -- -- ----I Kirtipur M 20,814 24,406 31,339 37,877 46,477 57,030 1.60 2.53 1.91 2.07 2.07 Madhva~urThimi M 20,640 26,076 31970 39,988 49,767 61,938 2.37 2.06 2.26 2.21 2.21 ValleyDCs 253,942 327,Ol 1 41 7072 525,498 577,642 628,344 2.56 2.46 2.34 0.95 0.84 ---- (?I valley 544,959 741,000 1,078,909---- 2,597,248 1,571,683 2,020,404 3.12 3.83 3.83 2.54 2.54 %All Municipalities 53.40 55.87 61.34 66.56 71.41 75.81 VDCs with >1 0 0 0 0-- ~ ATEGY I for the proper planning and Table 6: KathmanduValley Land Utilization urban management of the city. 1984' 1994' 2000L Land Use Area (ha) % Area(ha) % Area(ha) % Urban 3096 4.8 8378 13.1 9193J 13.8 2.1.3 Goals Agriculture 40,950 64 33,308 52.1 27,570 41.4 Forest/Grassland 19,439 30.4 20,945 32.7 20,677 31.0 Based on the broad vision for River 479 0.8 583 0.9 4 9 6 0.7 KMC, the following goals have Others (airportlpond etc.) NA - 336 0.5 310' 0.5 been formulated for the proper Abandoned land NA 414 0.7 NA - Rural SettlementS NA NA planning and management of -- 8404 12.6 Total 63,964 100 63964 100 66,655 100 the city: 1 Soorcc: IlcCu1;l~inCl.n,n-tll. IK:ltll~ll:llltlu \illl'.). Ill:\' IC)"5 2 S,,U~~P:l)r:tit I ) C ~ ~ I~l:m ,0~0 ~ ,~ ~i ~~ ~l ~~ ~I I ~2 2 iw : t \ ?~> I C, Y, ~lh\"rlll::~ l2000 I ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 It~cluilc\259.1 I .To promote planned 11:~.< l itlca rahcrlu>clt:cl ~ C \ C I < I ~ I I I I L II II I \ I l l : * !\IIIL.I, I :IIL. ciht~~il!. 11r1>:01\ 1 1 . 1 \ \ 1 4 (: s p < r ~0111~~ l i : ! f ! 3 (:<,risl,r* I ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ~I :. ~\ ~I ~I ~C lI ~ o i ~ r ~ ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ o ~ i : ~ l > ~ / I S CI . I ~ C I I I I ) development of the city and ensure efficient use of land and infrastructure services. the responsibility of issuing building permits to KMC. 2, TO illtl-oduce land use zoning which is flexible Apart from this and minor land development works, enough to easily respond to the changing trends but KMC hasnot been involved in planning activities, partly clear about prohibition of inconlpatible uses. because of limited institutional capabilities. For the same 3. T~ involve the public in the planning process so as reasons, KMC has not been able to take on the full to make the plans responsiveto their needs. planning functions for the city as provided for in the 4, ,ro strengthen the and management Local Self Governance Act 1999. capacity of KMC so that it can independently prepare city developlnent plans and ensure proper Many of the city services are currently owned and implementation and management of the city. maintained by different government sectoral agencies. 5 , To improve coordination among all agencies Lack of coordination among agencies as wcll as lack of involved in development activities in KMC and an updated plan to guide city development have resulted encourage private sector involvement. in ineffective implementation of programs, duplication of works and sometimes even to conflicting actions. Because of the lack of clear delineation of 2.1.4 Issues: responsibilities and the sectoral approach to development of the city, in the past no agency took 1 . The existingstatutory plan for KMC is outdated and overall responsibility for the urban management ineffective in regulating urban development. of the city. This has tended to result in haphazard growth 2. Lack of coordination between physical planning and and gradual decline in the level and quality of services infiastructure development. in the city. After the promulgation of the Local Self- 3. Inefficient use of land and services due to low density Governance Act, the most obvious choice of agency to urban sprawl with pockets of inaccessible land manage the city is KMC. blowever, KMC as a whole within the city. needs to be strengthened both institutionally and 4. Unplanned and unitegrated urban expansion occurring financially if it is to successfully fulfill its responsibility beyond municipal areas into adjoining VDCs. 5. Lack of space within the existing municipal area Table 7: UrbanizedVDCs of KathmanduValley for requisite development purposes. 6. Inadequate zoning regulations and weak monitoring Total VDCs Urban to of develoonient activities. Semi-urbanVDCs 7. Land developed by brokers and real estate 1994 % 2010 % developers not according to norms and standards. Kathmandu 65 16 36.9 32 49.2 8. Existing land registration process of urban land Lalitpur 24 9 37.5 16 66.6 Bhaktapur 21 8 23.8 16 76.1 based on agricultural productivity and not according Total 110 33 30.0 64 -- 60.0 to its current urban use, leading to lack of control Sourcc: Reg,clating (;n,ach; li:ttl,n~:l~rclu\:IIIC!: IL'(:s. on urban growth. 1'1'r.i CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 9. Lack of coordination among agencies involved in Formulate land sub-division regulations for development activities in KMC. planned area developments and make it mandatory 10. KMC institutionally weak in urban planning and for the brokers and real estate developers to get urban management functions. approval from the planning agency before the new 1 1. Lach of control on industrial establishments. sub-division is registered with the Department of 12. Frequent violations o f planning and building Land Administration. byelaws. Introduce a separatecategoty for registering land under 13. Lack ofpeople's participation in the planning process ~ ~ r b ause or land destined for future urbanization. n 14. Inadequate cost recovery for infrastructure services Introduce a clear boundary separating urban 15. Lack of open sppces. and rural areas. KMC to conduct land 16. Lach of clearly defined river domain. administration functions for areas under its jurisdiction. Strengthen CPC and institutionalize its roles and 2.1.5 Strategies: functions as well as set up a mechanism for it to hold coordination meeting with all the concerned I. Prepare a new land use plan for the city along agencies on a regular basis. with zoning sub-division regulations, detailed area StrengthenUDD and PWD of KMC with qualified plans, infrastructure development plans etc. staff and by involving them in the ongoing planning conforming to the larger valley-wide plans and activities of KVMP, by providing relevant training to covering VL)Cs which would benefit by being their staffand internalizingthe experience and prqject included in the city. Prepare legal procedures to outputs of KVMP to ensure continuity by KMC units. iniplemcnt the plan and conduct periodic review and Formulate regulations for obtaining approval revision of the plan. from the planning agency prior to land registration 2. Make it mandatory to prepare and implement and for obtaining license for industries. integrated infrastructure development Set up a sepnratc regulatory unit under UDD to programs in c.on.iunctio11 with the proposed oversee enforcement of planning and building development of the city as per the land llse plan. regulations, invest it with legal authority to take Publicize proposed land use and infrastructure necessary actions against violators and provide development programs. necessary equipnlent. Initiate action to demolish 3. Initiate land development programs for land locked unauthorized encroachment on public land. areas within city as wcll as formulate appropriate Ensure people's participation and maintain policies to promote densification in the city transparency in all future planriing activities and including revision of building bye-laws and provide easy access to planning documents. introduction of vacant land tax. Encourage involven~entof user committees and 4. Expand municipal boundary to incorporate and neighborhood committees in local level cost-sharing integrate tlie fast urbanizing areas outside KVC development activities. boundary and ensure the new land L I S ~ plan is Involve private sector in infrastructure extended to cover tlie areas to be included. The development and relate cost with quality of services. future land requirements o f KMC should be Determine appropriate locations of open spaces within accounted for while expanding the municipal area. the city as per relevant norms and provide accordingly. 5. Prepare zoning regulationsas per the revised land Simultaneously, review and halt all unwarranted use plan and transfer zoning boundaries on cadastral conversion of existingopen spaces. Also relocatenon- maps. The regulations should be clear about non- centralgovernmentfunctionsto outer fringesand permitted uses and should specifi the conditions for develop some of the vacated areas into public parks. pennitting existing non-conforming uses or for their Convert appropriate unutilized or unproductive guthi phased relocation. Involve the Revenue Department and public land within KMC into public parks. of KMC in monitoring compliance to the land use. Clearly demarcate river domain on cadastral map 6. Identify and develop appropriate locations for and maintain a minimum development set-back of industries. 20111 from the edge. ENT STRATEGY 2.1-6 Progress Indicators: 1 .Iniplementation of new land-use plan 2. Preparation of integrated infrastructure develop~nent plans 3. Population Density 4. Enlargement of KMC boundary 5. Implementation of new zoning regulations 6. Land uses in KMC 7. Establishment of enforcement unit within UDD 8. Number and areas of public open spaces 9. Demarcation of river domain on cadastral maps. CITY DEVELOPMENT S T R A T E G I S 2.2 URBAN ECONOMICS growth in Kathmandu, particularly of carpets and readyniade garments, is constrained by their contribution to environmental pollution, and their 2.2.1 Existing Situation demand on water supply. Information technology, financial institutions,other servicesectors etc. have Kathmandu is acdpital city as \+ell as an economic power shown an increasingtrend in the recent years. center of Nepal. it is a metropolitan city and has displayed all the characteristics associated with such Kathmandu has good physical infrastructures. It is well areas. It has the highest per capita income in the country. connected with other parts of the country by road. Ii has 1he incidence of absolute poverty is minimal although satellite based comniunication facilities. However, its income disparity is getting wider. People are highly city roads are in shambles and have not been able to literate and highly specialized human resources are handle their evcr-increasing demand. The other facility concentrated in the city. However, despite the experiencing a heavy strain is water supply. Sanitation favorable situation for development, the city has needs significant improvements. Uninterrupted supply been suffering from a plethora of problems which of electricity is yet to be attained, although it could be need to be given immediate attention. adequate after the commissioning of Kaligandaki 'A' in the near f~~ture.There are problems with environmental The 'Tribhuban International Airport has sustained situation and pollution. The other stark feature of the Kathmandu's importance as an export and import urbangrowth is the emergenceand growthof slums business center. Structural composition of both gross and squatter settlements, and also a section of domestic products and employment show the people living in unhygienic and unacceptable dorr~inanceof non-farm sectors. Female literacy rate condition due to poverty. and female participation rate in the labor force are also significantly high. Nonetheless. unemployment rate is In improving infrastructures, rolcs o f different also estimated to be high at more than one digit figure. agencies have yet to emergc clearly. This is true for E~nployeesform the major group among the employed social sector dcvelopmeni as well, particularly people. It shows a transformation in the between central and local government bodies in organization of economic activities to a Iligher form managing p ~ ~ b l health and education facilities. i c - both in terms of nature and scale. Greater responsibilities accon~panyingthe higher level o f authorities to the institutionally weak local Trade, tourism, and service sectorsarc thc major econornic government bodies calls for more pragmatic and activities. It has also been an important man~~Fdcturing careful approach in defining the roles of central centre for such exportable items like carpets, readymade and local government bodies so that development garments, and other handicraft products. However, their works will proceed unhampered. 1 - Table 8: Composition of National GDP (in percent) Originating Sectors 1985186 1990191 1995196 1999/00** 1 . Agriculture, Fisheries& Forestry 50.3 -- 47.5 41.2 39.2 2. Mining & Quarrying 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 3. Manufacturing 6.2 6.3 8.7 9.5 4. Electricity, Gas & Water 0.5 - 0.8 0.8 0.8 5. Construction 8.7 -- 9.3---- 9.9 9.6 6. Trade, Restaurants, & Hotels 10.5 10.5 11.1 11.1 7. Transport, Communication & Storages 6.0 6.6 7.7 8.5 --- 8. Financial & Real Estate 8.8 9.5- 9.9 10.2 9. Community & Social Services 8.5 9.2 10.2 10.6 ---- ---- - ---- - &cultural GDP at factor cost -- 50.3 47.5 41.2 39.2 Non-Agriculture GDP at factor cost 49.7 52.5 58.8 60.8 - Total CDP at factor cost 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 ----- -- ~ ~ I ~ 1 i l l 1 Il tl \l l'L.llllll,' l \ot~rce I L<>~I<,~I>#L >ttr\c> Itlk ~ l bBIILC " -. t \ \ I*l^x $ %X< < s* STRATEGY Table 9: Annual Percentage Change in National CDP and its components (in percent) Originating SectorIPeriod 1985186- 1990191- 1995196- 1989190 1994195 199912000 1. Agriculture, Fisheries& Forestry - 4.1 1.5 3.5 2. Mining& Quarrying 5.5 5.8 5.9 3. Manufacturing 5.2 14.0 7.4 4. Electricity,Gas &Water 13.9 10.1 8.0 -- 5. Construction 6.5 6.5 4.4 - 6. Trade, Restaurants,& Hotels 4.4 7.5 4.4 7. Transport, Communication & Storages 5.3 9.8 6.9 8. Financial & Real Estate 5.2 6.4 5.7 9. Community & Social Services 6.7 6.8 5.7 A~riculturalCDPat factor cost 4.1 1.5 3.5 Non-AgricultureCDP at factor cost 5.5 8.2 5.7 --- Total CDP at factor cost ----- 4.8 5.0 4.8 - 2.2.2 Issues norms, the preparedrless at the domestic front in terms of human resources and organizational development Kathmandu is progressing along the path charted out by cannot be termed satisfactory. The gap between these its history. In the recent history. however, nature and two considerations will determine the place Kathmandu, forms of familiar roles of the city have shown a and for that matter Nepal, will have in the international significant change. Science and technology have not only comity of nations. Kathrnandu being in a favorable brought about a change in production and distribution position within the country should take a lead in closing relationships but also led to a change in perspectives the gap between the preparedness of the country and towards international relationship. International linkages the need to be competitive at the regional and in both product and factor markets facilitated by financial international level. The roles of central government and intermediaries, cconomic rather than political forces KMC have to be seen in this perspective. The central determining international relationships, and liberal government, for its need to oversee the country as a economic policies broadly defining the nature of whole, may find difficulty in allotting more resources to economic relationships between the countries arc some Kathmandu while such investment will be very much of the aspects determining the prospects of any city. essential to make the country competitive at the While these international relationships are governed by international front. It calls for greater authority and the introduction of modern technology and management empowerment o f KMCin both mobilizing resources and carrying out greater responsibilities. Table 10: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population of Kathmandu Valley by Occupation Given the changing situation as discussed in the previous paragraph, comparative advantage for the country as well as For Kathmandu city proper have to be defined. Occu~ationalGroup % of Employed People All ~duseholds .100 professionaland Technical Physical infrastructures need t o b e better planned 11.5 Administrativeand Managerial 4.5 to caterto the needs oftheeconomic activities. Information - Clerical 7.7 technology and software development often seek the - Agriculture __ 15.3 development of ITpark, and its feasibility can be assessed. Salesand Service 11.8 Production 15.0 - ' Resource-need will be far greater than the existing level Construction 20.7 -- of income and expenditures of KMC. G r e a t e r Transport and Communication 4.5 General Laborers 4.5 partnerships will b e essential for sharing such -- Others 4.5-- resource crunches particularly for developing . - physical infrastructures. In this context, therc is a need to define the roles of different stakeholders, coordinate, CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES I Table 11 : Annual Average Per Capita lncome by equipped both in terms of human resources and Source (1995196)-Urban Areas of Kathmandu m a n a g e m e n t capability t o c o p e with n e w Valley. challenges. Such challenges have emerged from the need for greater resource mobilization through both tax Sources of Income Income in Rs in "/D and non-tax measures, and to undertake development Total Monthly Income 24,561 100 Current cash income 18,632 75.9 activities of promoting both infrastructures arld social wages and salaries 8,667 35.3 sector programs. enterprise income 5,183 21.I (agricultural) (317) (1.3) (non-agricultural) (4,866) (19.8) 2.2.3 Strategies Property rental income 2,828 11.5 Pensionand assistance 6.5 -- 1,586 Define the roles of different stakeholders, coordinate Other cash income 367 1.5 Income in kind 5,929 24.1 them, and develop partnerships between then1 Home produced 71 0.3 particularly for sharing in the infrastructure developmcnt. - Free of cost 689 2.8 Receiveda part ofpaylwages 5 -- - Prcl~nreKothmontlu.for the rlevelopment of' enterprise income 940 3.8 - 0 'Tourism laericultural) (911) 13.7) 0 Information Technology and Software Developn~ent - (non-agricultural) (28) (0.1) RentalValue of a self-owned home 4,225 17.2 0 Sports Promotion 0 Service Sector Assess the infrastructure need for promoting these economic activities and for improving overall city and develop partnerships between them. Besides, there environment, and assess their investment need and is also a need to think in terms of creating a situation for potential for partnerships in their development. deficit financing and public borrowing for KMC. Make an assessment for evolving policy to allow KMC KMC's role in develop~rlentactivities, both in physical to go for public borrowing. infrastructure developnlent and social sector programs, is somewhat limited primarily because of revenue Build up the management strength and institutional crunch. These activities have particular relevance in capacity building of KMC. reducing t h e incidence of poverty a n d unemployment. Local gover~imcntbodies could initiate Assess the potentials of KMC for gradually taking-up first by managing the central government grants in greaterresponsibilitiesin developmcntactivitiesparticularly undertaking social priority programs. Revenue potentials in infrastructureand social priority sector development. of KMC have yet to be realized. Environmental condition is in a mess. Sanitation 2.2.4 Progress Indicators: facilities are grossly inadequate. Rivers, parks, and city landscapes are in general deteriorating to an alarming 1 . Introduction of service charge for essential services situation. With the unruly growth of the city, problem of such as solid waste management. solid waste management is compounding, and it is 2. Consolidation of City Planning Commission to getting more conlplex due to the problem of dumping develop periodic plans to strengthen the economic sites and the absence of effective introduction of service performance of KMC. charges for the services rendered by KMC 3. Resource nlobilization is activated in the form of donor support and increased central govt. funding. KMC has so far organized itself to limited function of 4. Public borrowing prospects are clearly identified. operating and maintaining san~tationfacilities, solid 5 . Private sector participation is encouraged and waste collection and dumping, regulating construction arrangements are made to ensure adequate activities. and lirrlited tax collection. It is poorly legislation to secure the investment. ctn DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY Logframe for City Development Strategy ISSUES ( IMPLICATIONS (STRATECIES ACTORS/DONORS Need for identifying I Keep up and promote ( Identify comparative HMG, KMC, CBOs, the role, and make competitive edge based on advantages - sports, Donors particularly Kathmandu and the the states of technology tourism, IT, business center multi-lateral. country competitive in and economic the international relationships context. I I I Inadequate investment ( Inefficiency in production I ldentify the infrastructure IHMG, KMC, private and inefficient ( process and increase in ( needs and forge Isector including joint physical ( cost of production I partnerships between HMG, (ventures, Donors infrastructures 1 ( KMCand private sector. I particularly multi- lateral. Resource crunch with Poor infrastructure, Assess the possibility for HMG, KMC and KMC I environmental problems, ( KMC to go for public 1 private sector t-------- and poor service delivery borrowing Introduce service charges KMC on solid waste management +ale-bMC I I collection of tax and non-tax / revenue +-- Weak implementation Poor service delivery, poor Build up the management HMG, KMC and capacity of KMC I revenue collection, unruly ( strength and institutional 1donors t- city development capacity buildingof KMC. - Limited role of KMC Sterile image as local Greater role in undertaking HMG, KMC in development (government bodies ( development and social 1 - I activities priority sector programs CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2.3 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Politically the KMC is divided into different ideological groups. This has made it dit'ficult lo make timely 2.3.1 Existingsituation decisions on organisational and planning matters. Onc party electorate attempts to dominate tlie others. keeplng KMC as an institution should be strong enough in aside their goal ofcity developnlerlt. The impact ofsuch itsfoundation, capacityand performance which are tendencies is clearly manifested in tlie dcvclopnient and the major elements of institutional development. environment management capacity of the KMC. Whereas foundation represents its basis for an identity and defines functions in the socicty through mission. I tis difficult for the KMC to undertake its functions legal base and constituency, capacity constitutes its \vitlio~ltthe closc co-ordinatio~iand consultation of organization, resources and leadership necessary for its rninist~'ies,departments and other govcl.nment off?ces smooth fi~nctioning.Finally, the current activities, their locatetl in the KMC. Matters about whorn to report to in relevance and effectiveness represent KMC's the hierarchy is u~iclear.Similarly, what the relation perform;mce co~nponcntsin a broad tcrln. should be between tlie CEO and the Mayor's personal assistant is unclear as well. The activities of the KMC extends its services to a population of about Department o f Public Works, Department of Urban 42 1,258(as per the census of 1991) which is growing at Developmcnt and Depa~t~nentof Environment have to tlie rate of 6 percent in the 35 Ward Committees. From be closely related with this organisation. I t cannot act each Ward Com~nitteethere are f?ve representatives. without the proper co-ordination of the government There arc quite clearly defined rights. duties and agencies such as Ministry of Local Development, responsibilities of these WCs. Members are also clear Ministry of Land Refbr~nand Management, Ministry of about their functions, duties and responsibilities as Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Ministry of detined by tlie Act. In addition, a numbcr of NGOs are Physical Planning and Works, Ministry of Water involved in implementing KMC functions at the ward Resources, Ministry of tlealth and Ministry of Tourism level. The private sector is interested in tl~careas s ~ ~ c h ;lnd Cult~~re.Since these ministries havc their own as bus park management, solid waste lnanagemcnt and departments and local oftices within the city it is one of in the construction activities. A number of govel.nnicnt the challenges for tlie KMC to work in co-operation ministries, departments and offices are located in the \vith them. KMC area. Similarly, its services are essen~ialfor cleaning the city daily of 300 tonnes of garbage. to F~~rtlierrnore, K M C has no mechanism to enforce its increase national revenue by satisfying its staLeliolders authority and power without proper co-ordination with and making it Inore friendly, clean. livablc and a the government Ministries, departments, offices and competitive city of tlie future. It has to accommodate authorities. This makes it difficult to tap the available not only its current population b11t also plan for its finaiicial resources. No clear cut mechanism exists territorial expansion to accommodate more people in between HMG and KMC in co-ordinating roads and the future. transportation, refuse collection. street cleansing, public health and powe~distribution.There isstill a domination KMC hasno clear and straightforwardgoverning structure of tlie government agencies in the development activities with defined roles and accountabilities for its bodies, at the city area. comrnittccs, members and staff. At all levels of the - organisation accountability has not been well established I here is little co-ordination between the local political 3 for both political and executive personnel. There is a state 1.epresentativesand the KMC employees. A sense of co- of confusion prevailing in the relation between: the Mayor operation is lacking between ward level representatives and Deputy Mayor, Advisory committees and staff, and divisional heads. However, neitherthe cenh-a1 KMC Comniittezs arid staff, Department heads, Ward office has any proper mechanism Ihr ward level Committees and Advisory committees, Ward Committees participation nor do the divisional heads seek ward level and KMC staff. In such a situation it is difticult to predict co-operation for programlnc i~nplenientation.In fact. the how decisions are to be made and executed at the different working style of the KMC employees. consultants and levelsof the KMC. Leaders at different levelsare not seen other specialist staff is completely centl-alised and to be comn~ittedto their posts. The relation between the individualistic. In such a situation even if the Act makes Mayor and Deputy Mayor and with their secretariat is provisions for decentralisation,it's implementation is less not satisfactory. feasible in the present institutional set-up of KMC. NT STRATEGY The Secretary's role in administration is inordinately The minimum fiscal standards have not been maintained. centralized and dominant. Among the staff, Chief of KMC's current fiscal crisis has been averted only because Administration, Public Works and Environment of the funds from ongoing donor-assisted projects. The Department are relatively busy and powerful in newly proposed organization structure is vague and comparison to the other administrative chiefs and staff. cannot, in principle, coordinate electoral and line staff activities in the KMC. Some of the major weaknesses in itscurrent capacityinclude:increasingpolitical differences 2.3.1.1 Foundation: in decision making, inadequate knowledge of employees, low morale of employees, increasing financial KMCwas established as an institution 99 years ago irregularities, vague organization structure, lack of in the name of Safai Adda. Currently, it is working performance management and lack of required data base. towards the vision of "My Legacy, M y Pride, My Kathmandu". However, without clear-cut mission, objective and goals it has failed to develop itself within the perspective ofa capital city region. In such a situation whatever it plans to achieve has only short-term impact Some project level activities have been completed and on its development. In the absence of clarity in many of some are ongoing. Past experience has shown that its provisions and byelaws, the rules and regulations activities which are undertaken with the involvement of promulgated by the LSG Act have not been conlpletely electorates, experts, and staff have created a feeling of exercised. There is a growing controversy regarding its ownership. Many staffs argue that there should be status as to whether it is a local government or a local direct involvement of the KMC staffs in project body. Its constituency is overwhelmi~lglyburdened in formulation and execution, failingwhich questions terms of increasing population, pollution, refuse of ownership tend to arise in the execution of such collection problems and urban unemployment. The project. KMC has made substantial progress in main weaknesses related to its foundation are: no mobilizing its local capacity through users' committees, explicit objectives, no periodic plans, short term clubs and other youth organizations. However, it still city development approach, ineffective Board, lacks the mechanism to sustain these activities. Some Committees, Commission and Advisory Bodies. problems related to performance of the KMC are: lack of accountability of the elected members and staff, lack of monitoring and evaluation system, problem of 2.3.1.2 Capacily ownership in the foreign donated projects and no niechanisni to implement plans and programs on a Based on some of the ongoing activities it appears that sustained basis. thc current leadership is very positive towards "good governancefor city development".However,there are many lapses especially in the areas of accountability, 2.3.2 Issues Identified delegation of authority and relations among various executives and staff of KMC. Many events in recent days Thc major issues identified under the headings of three show that there is b~owingideological conflict among major institutional elements are the following: political party lines in city development activities too. The current leadership has to work hard to be capable for Founrlation: establishinggood relationship behveen externalconsultant u The need for clear cut vision of KMC groups and KMC staff, which has direct impacton project u The need for explicit objectives of KMC formulation and its execution. In addition, KMC severely a Thc nccd forclarity on whether KMC isa local body lackshuman, financial and material resources to function or local government effectively and to work on making the city livable, Revision in the current Acts and Regulations bankable and competitive. The economicdependency The need for a development perspective of of the KMC is increasingand its administrative and Kathmandu as a capital city overhead costs are not under control. Adequate u The need for making Board,Committees, Advisory revenue sources have not been properly identified to mect bodies very effective the budgetary requirements of running the office and LI The need for making elected and administrative staff inlplementation of its future plans and programs. accountable in work Chart 1: Improved Organizational Structure Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office METROPOLIS COLIN CIL A ~ i o u nLornmlnee and other com mlnees t C~tyPlann~nyCommlsslon Sect~on Total ~epatrnriismdSedions:I P m p o d Wudure I Pmousslmct~~e NOof Departmenl= 12 NO of Depaltrnern= 1 1 No ofSectlon = 33 NO of section = 43 TRATEGY CapaciQ: 2.3.3 Strategies: o The need to confer more power to the Mayor sothat slhe face no difficulty in formulating and Foundation implementing development works. Formulate clear vision of the KMCwhich enhances O The need for proper monitoring and evaluation and peoples' interest in its development reporting mechanism Base all plans, programme and activities on its vision o The need for dissemination of knowledge and skills and objectives acquired from various programs by elected and line u Clarify the responsibility and accountability of staff the local bodies Q The need for minimising political differencesamong u Recognise KMC as a local government working the elected to plan and executive city development within a capital city perspective activities u Develop a long term perspective plan, at least 0 The need to enhance managerial and organisation for 20 years related knowledge and abilities of administrative and o Make committees and other bodies accountable elected personnel to the Mayor o The need for detailed financial plan to manage o Clarify roles and accountability of elected and sources and uses of funds administrative bodies o The need to strengthen management and financial information system Capacity o The need to control increasing fiscal irregularities 0 Enact new Metropolitan Act to introduce a o The need for using services of NCiOs, local clubs different system of electing the mayor whereby s h e and other user committees to enhance capacity of has greater authority to initiate development works KMC u Determination of development priorities The need to make the organisation structure more u Organisation change effective LI Develop only doable income and expenditure plan o The need for evaluating performance o Develop computerised management and financial Q The need for involving private sector in the information system collection and mobilisation of financial resources U Control irregularities Q The need for reviewing acts. for example, relating 0 Mobilise local development agencies to transportation, roads, water resource, sanitation, Develop mechanism for regular monitoring and housing, planning and local development ministries evaluation by establishing a M&E Department. to increase co-ordination of KMC with other KMC hasto be very serious about starting a reporting government bodies mechanism o The need to improve physical and material Reorganize the current organisation structure infrastructure of the KMC o Enhance private sector-KMC partnership o The need for establishing a data base system o Initiate cost-sharing practices The need for appointing CEO for a fixed tenure. Develop byelaws to clarify responsibilities of KMC on development activities Performance: o Improve the current physical and material capacity a The need for making staff and elected body o Introduceperformancecontractto appointCEO accountable o Make provision of Local Self Governance Service o The need for involving line staff in the project o Increase capacityof the department headsto use management and implementation process. data base o The need for developing contact mechanism at the o Introduce a performance-based work incentives grass root level with KMC's stakeholders o Disseminate ideas and experience through sharing o The need for involving local NGOs and users of ideas and work involvement committees in the dcvelopnlent process at all levels, CIEstablish the practice of exchanging knowledge and from the centre to the grass root level ideas among all concerned The need for support agency at the local level to train local NGOs and Committees in the urban Performance development activities. Develop legal accountability CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES n Increaseownership ofthe projectby involving line Formation of a team with representatives from the staff of KMC government, private sector, KMC and other legal Inform and comn~unicatethe progress and prospect bodies to clarify roles and responsibilities of KMC of KMC and other government bodies in the implernenlation a Maximisethe useof local based NGOs to increase of urban development activities. development and social activities Capcici[v 0 Formation of a five-member Political Counselling 2.3.4 Progress Indicators: Committee (PCC) involving representatives from high level political groups, socially respected Some important institutional indicators which facilitate persons and at least a legal expert. the successful implementation of CDS in the future are o Formation of a fair Vacancy Committee presented below: o Initiation of Management Information System u Formation of independent audit committee Foundation o Restructure the current organisation structure u Clarity of KMC, CDS, and other related project Fonnation of expert team to develop performance objectives for all electoral, staff, and consultants management system in the KMC o DevelopmentofcapitalcityperspectiveplanoftheKMC Keactivation of CPC and formation of a Planning u Settlement of the confusion about whether KMC is Division to implement CDS a local body or local government 0 Preparation of operational plans Peflrrnnnce 3 Reformation of qualified advisory body including u Endorsement of the CDS by the City Council representatives from urban planning and Preparation of a complete list of local organisations development experts and private sector in different wards o Formation of expert and staff committee to develop o Selection of Support Agency at the ward level to accountability of elected body, staff and others activate local organisations through training and involved in the KMC. development activities. ,-.".- x - DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY _I1, 9' 2.4 URBAN TRANSPORT o Traffic Police (TP), and Municipalities. 2.4.1 Existing Situation UOR is responsible for planning and design, The urban population of Nepal is growing rapidly. Only construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the entire 3 % of the population lived in urban areas in 1951. By road network. On the planning and design aspect, 1957 this growth had risen to 4% and by 1991 it was although some planning exercise is being conducted for ovel- 9%. Thc Kathmandu Metropolitan City has ma.jorroads,valley roads invariably arebeingneglected. witnessed a growth in population, which is rnuch Inore Because of resource constraints only minor works are than the national average. Unplanned urbanization and being taken up from the Government's regular budget. deteriorating environmental conditions. and Although some improvements of the existing road developrncnt of industrial units in and around the urban networks in the valley have been carried out with areas have generated a range of environmental problems the assistance of donor agencies such as ADB, affecting human health and welfare. Thcse problems are World Bank and JICA, there are large areas still further compounded by the liapha~ardurban growth neglected. Considering the expenditure made in FY which has put a very heavy burden on the already 2055156 and 2056157, and proposed budget for FY 20571 inadequate infrastructure facilities, especially 58 for Ka~limanduValley City Roads, which are in the transportation facilities. Besides. the huge growth in range ofRs.60.00million, Rs.64.00 million, and Rs.7 1.5 the nurnbcr of vehicles, and simultaneous lack o f million respectively, major improvement works are not in,provcment in the esisting facilities and disorganized c~lvisagcdfrom the ~egularfund. rnovcmcnt o f traffic have resultcd in incrsascd congestion and accidents which in turn have decreased The Department of Transport Management (DO'I'M) is vehicle speeds affecting road capacity. At the samc time. responsible for transport planning, management, policy organizational deficiencies and slack enforcemen1of law S(v~nulation,and is also responsible for coordination with and order have contributed greatly to disorganized international agencies relating to management and movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Also due 10 execution. Because of its weak organizational set- unplanned invcstmcnts and financial conctraints. desired up, it has not been able to fulfill its role besides ilnprovements in the road networl, systcln a n d activities relating to permitting route license, vehicle introduction of efficient modes of transpol-I could not registration and transfer of vehicle ownership. Its whole be attained. slnlctilrc nceds to be reoriented and refranled to bring it to work in line with the delegated filnc~ions.'l'lie main Currently there are mainly four institulio~isinvolved in reasons for non-fiuictioning could be attributed to the thc development of Katliniandu Valley transport agency's inability to oversee its deficiencies and to nctworks and their manage~nenl.These are: improve them 3 Department of Roads (DOR) 'fraffic ~nanagementis bcing looked after by the Traffic Department of Transport Management (DOTM) Police and matters related to driver license are being Table 12: Year Wise Vehicle Population in Bagmati Zone Vehicle Type 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 2005 % -- - 1 . Bus 792 958 1045 1163 1298 1403 1964 6 2. Minibus 1552 1388 1 430 1468 1500 1610 1 --1527 I 3. TrucWTanker 3343 3781 4113 4483 4759 4811 5100 1- 207.18 22640 - 24240 27153 28915 30919 43286 6 5. Three wheeler aulomobile 3844 - 3844 3844 3844 3925 4262 5070 3 - I - 6. Two wheeler aulomobile 37774 43506 49299 58029 64142 71612 128900 1 1 Tractor 1623 1635 1670 1672 1672 1672 1672 - -- 7. 8. Others --- 2561 2678 3012 3020 3278 331- 3210 1 1 Total 72,031 00,430 88,661 100,831 109,489 117,836 191,112 8 ~ ( ) 1 '0) (60%) (59%) (57%) (50%) -- Total of all 14 Zones 114,346 130,95? 118,351 171,559 190,672 235,236-- - CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES taken careby a separate wing ofNepal Police. Although coordinated efforts. Since DOR, TP and DOTM Nepal Police is responsibleonly for matters related functions extend nation widc their organizational to traffic control, its current functions have been structure should be examined and improved on a wider widened to embrace management aspects. However, scale. With regard to KMC, in view ofthe Government's desired quality of works could not be achieved due to policy that the Local Government should be strengthened lack ofrequired facilities and trained personnel in traffic to look after local affairs, KMC's role in transport sector engineering and management. should be widened with adequate provision through amendment of current Local Self Governance Act 1999. Under the current Local Self-Governance Act 1999, While doing so, all prevailing acts related to transport Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has been vested sectors should be reviewed. Responsibilities and with certain authority, among others, activities related functions of each agency should be neatly defined to construction and maintenance of road networks other so that clear accountability for functioning could be than those currently under the jurisdiction of DOR. In addressed. the circumstances, there is a little scope for KMC to play a major role in the transport sector. Given The construction and development of main road network the diverse nature and requirements of the various in thc country was largely dependent upon foreign aid elements in the city transport system it is essential that and assistance. Most sections of the strategic network transport development and management responsibilities were built and subsequently maintained with the should be progressively placed with the main involvement of bi-lateral or multi-lateral agencies. beneficiaries. With this approach urban road networks Funding had been either in terms of direct grant, grant- and their allied functions would become the aid or soft-loans. It is important to explore the possibility responsibility of the Municipalities. of local banks' participation. The Government should encourage and mobilize private banks and Besides tb: above four major line agencies, there are institutions to participate in the funding process. five ministries and nine associated line agencies involved In the present context, international financing institutions in planning, governing and providing services in are funding approximately 60 to 70 per cent of the total Kathmandu Valley. Because of differingpriorities aswell cost of the development works. If arrangement could be as conflict of jurisdiction and authority, the agencies' made for co-financing by local banks through lending planning and execution are not well coordinated. Despite process, major cost sharing will be available for local this, KMCisimplementing some road improvement cost financing from local banks and hence, help to a activities. But due to overlapping of responsibilities certain degree, in financing development activities. between different line agencies, none of the agencies has been able to implement the development activities in an effective and planned manner. 2.4.2 Issues Since various agencies are involved in planning and This study has identified the major issues relating to execution process and responsibilities are parceled out transportation and traffic management, institutional, and and are delegated to other agencies asthe occasion arises, financial aspects including infrastructure improvement. the transport sector has experienccd unplanned, less The problems currently being encountered cannot be Table 13: Road Network in Central Region, Bagmati Zone and KathrnanduValley (June1998)- in km National Feeder Road Feeder Road District Urban Total i Highway (Major) (Minor) Road Road Kathmandu 21 17 43 193 431 705 Lalitpur 0 0 33 175 175 383 -- Bhaktapur 15 23 0-- 128 6 172 KathmanduValley 36 40 76 496 612 1260 - -- Bagmati Zone 224 264 77 1106 636 2307 --- -- CentralRegion 729 472 115 - 2775 1078 5169 i Nepal 2905 1656 1 79 6615 1868 13223 Source L)OPATIIIILLII of 1%~) \ c p d I%t,~,l\I III-~ILSof lOOO, 1005.11111LY'Jn -- *".- .. * CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY solved in the short-term and can only get worse if urgentneedto improveits organizationalstructure remedial actions are not taken in a planned and to cope with the increasing workload, while that of DOR sustainable manner. The major key issues are highlighted and, DOTM and 'l'raffic Police should be restructured below and broad activities related to these issues which to cater for nation wide activities relating to highways need in~provementin two stages are addressed in Tables development, transport management and traffic control. A and B. A system within the institution is to be developed for I. Road Development effective implementation and operation offacilities already P Shortage of short and long-term planning and at hand and those planned for future. Laxity in management programming, impedes the proper operation of facilities and enforcement o Development strategy, and of governing rules. It is therefore, proposed to review o Inadequate infrastructure facilities. the present status of concerned departments1 agencies and appropriate measures enforced. II. Public TrarzsportDevelopment o Lack of transportation planning. Transportation planning is a basic need to cope with current need and demand generating from future traffic 111. TrafficManagement growth. A long-term planning which coordinates with o Lack of proper design for facilities and lack of other development activities, industries, land use and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. population dispersal. etc. is required to form a basis for future development. While doing so, it is suggested that I K Itzstitution functional classification of present and planned CI Lack of proper coordination between line agencies, future road network bedetermined so that an arterial 0 Overlapping of functions, road will not function as a street. The planning and o Conflict ofjurisdiction and authority, progra~nniingshould be prioritized and executed on Q Lack of professional manpower, and incre~nentalprocess depending on the need and available CI Absence of strong institution and its management iinancial resources. capability. Looking nt the present state of affairs in financing K Fitlance development works, one of the key constraints is P Unplanned investment, and providing the necessary funds. In this context, although P Financial constraints for development works the possibility of financing for maintenance program is there througll in~plenlentationof governing act of 1999, it is desirable to look for the prospect of generating 2.4.3 Strategies more funds by sharing the vehicular tax imposed by the Government and from increased municipal From the critical examination of the existing situation vehicle tax, house tax, floating bonds, BOT and in urban transportation, to achieve effective and efficient participation of private banks.Nonetheless, for major transportation system, it is revealed that there is a need capital investment international donor agencies' for improvement in four essential areas. These are: assistance will be needed in the foreseeable future. Phase I: Institutional development In the light of the foregoing, with an aim to achieve a Phasell: Managenlent of transport and related well-balanced efficient transport system through an facilities effective management, a strategy divided into four phases Phase 111: Development of infrastructures, and is proposed. In designingthis, handling the transportation Phase I E Financing development projects. through existing institutions rather than setting up a new department has been contemplated addressing the basic The objective of institutional development is to ensure principles in the following four areas: that the institutions are fully capable of functioning effectively in their designated areas of responsibility. a) development of institutions in transport management Absence of strong institution would lead to the weak system management incapable of effective functioning. Looking b) planning and implementation of traffic engineering at the KMC's anticipated responsibilitythere is an management CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES c) transport sector policy, and are essential. To attain this, function could be d) system of generating funds and their allocation to regrouped and delegated to other agencies through meet the demand. legislative procedures. To avoid conflicting interests, an independent body comprising experts in related The disorganized growth in urbanization helped fields or an international agency should be engaged increase the number of vehicles leading to to review the matter and make appropriate congestion, traffic accidents, and pollution. Further, recommendations including the proposal for the inherent dangers are often made worse by poor manpower requirement road maintenance, badly designed intersections, The other important aspect is financing. The current inadequatetraffic control devices, pedestrian attitude situation indicates that major development and lack of proper enforcement of traffic laws. In activities are dependent on foreign assistance. the existing situation it is suggested to adopt Although the Local Government Act I999 provides 'Restrictive Approach' to help improve the some access to revenue generation and the proposed current problems, and management capability and Nepal Road Board Act provides some relief in efficiency. Introducing new roads and widening the financing road maintenance program, to make the csisting structures could lessen to a certain degree, municipality a self-sustained institution, capacity the currently encountered traffic problems. But, should be built up for generating additional funds without improvement on traffic tnanagement system through increased road user's tax and private the inherent problems will not be mitigated. participation. And to realize be~terresults from the o With regard to road network development, DOR country's scarce resources, funding should be should be made the sole responsible agency to work determined on a 'need' basis. in close coordination with DUDBC and municipalities where expansion of network programs links with their peripheral jurisdiction. If 4.4 Progress Indicators: the development program falls within the periphery of the single municipal area the Construction of major road networks and initiation concerned municipality should be the main of mainte~lanceprograms throughout KMC. agency to undertake such activity. KMC-PWD section is strengthened with pilot u DOR, DOTM, TP and KMC to a certain degree arc projects initiated at KMC level. involved in traffic and transport management. Average speed of ~ehiclesis increased in the KMC Overlapping of functions and ineffective area. coordination in various phases of policy Mass transport system gets priority. forrn~~lationand implementation of development KMC starts a process of increasing revenues from activities are deep seated. Practical corrective vehicles for road maintenance. measures including delineation of functions to avoid A co-ordination committee to improve transport sharing the responsibility by a numberof ai~thorities management is formed with adequate representation from concerned sectors. / 1" TABLE: A Table A: Development Activities (Short Term) - - TARGET / INSTITUTIONAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROAD DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT LegalIAdministrative Facility lmprovement Measure l o Improvement 9 Strengthening of KMC n 1:unctional classification o Control on roadside parking o Operation of fleet o Construction of north- of bottlcnccks I Organi7ation slructurc of road net\\ork. 0 Construction ofparking spaces 1 number and frequency south corridor - in urban h l l o ~ing the o~inership i 0 Enforccnient of rulcs and Control on roadside on-loading and otT- (bus. mini-bus) Bisnumati link road to transport of road nctliork. regulations. loading rclicve congcstion in 0 Strcngtliening of 1O Transfer ofo\vlicrship of 0 Improvcnient of intersection facilities o Integration of bus stops1 core city area. Department of Transport Urban road network 0 Control on illegal activities on right-of- bus service routes and 0 Improvcmentl Management (DOTRI) O Kegulatiolis on heavy \\.a>(\\.orishop road-side stall. ha\\.ker. coordination among construction of road o Inlpro\cment of vchiclc operation in etc.1 conipanics net\vork in vital places Departnierit of Road , Urban areas. 0 Iniprovcmcnt of facilities at bus lerlninall 0 Koutc regulation for o Conduct feasibly study (DOII) Planning bus stops f bus bay shelter sign) slo\\ nio\ ing vehicles- in the light of previous Diirision 0 Impro\cment of pedestrian stream 1 three-\vlieelers etc. studies. o Strengthening of TP (crossing point, fence bctneen carriage tratlie engineering way and pedestrian walk. pelican section crossing) Table 6: Development Activities (Long Term) - TARGET I TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROAD DEVELOPMENT o Establishment of I 0 Study and promotion of various transport I o Introduction of exclusive bus lanes. o [,inkage among potential developnlent well balanced modes ( Introduction of mass transpodation. I1 places in the light of new Ring Road transport system I 0 Introduction of separate lanes for slow moving I Concept I vehicles. I 0 lntroductlon of linkages wlth Ring Road and central area 0 lmprovement of radial roads CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2.5 HOUSING that there will bea need ofat least 34,000 additional housing units by the year 2001. As there is a 2.5.1 ExistingSituation of KMC continuous influx of low-income migrants to the city. there are problems for them to find affordable Housing in Kathmandu, like in most cities of the accommodation in Kathmandu. Consequently, they are world, is seen as a most valuable asset and a accomniodating themselves in shared or individual significant investment. Housing process i n rooms in the slunls of inner city areas at cheaper rents. Kathmandu generally starts with land plotting with Illegal encroacliinent on unattended public land and an access, transaction of plots, house construction buildings has become an alternative for some and threats followed by infrastructure provision, unlike in other are seen for i~nusedprivate lands in the future as statistics countries where larid development process with show their number increasing every year. There are provision of network infrastructure precedes the appro~iniately2000 squatter families settled at 56 construction of houses. Land development process settlements at various locations in Kathmandu. i s dominated by brokers in Kathmandu. It is due to limited land development initiatives undertaken by Cost of land and housing In Kathmandu has beconie the government, which primarily caters to government increasingly unaffordable due to shortagc of planned arid employees and does not respond to the needs of developed land plots. In the present context, a nominal growing urban populalion. Formal private sector standard of 35 square meter house in an 80 square initiatives are rare due to fragmented private land meter plot costs about Rs. 950,000.00 in ownership at largc and difficulty in land acquisition. Kathmandu in which land and development alone constitutes nearly 80 percent of the cost. Llnless Private owncr builders largely contribute to housing significant roles are played by government and private production in the city. Therefore, it is private owner sectors in large land asscnibly and planned development occupied housing system which is predominant in of plots, with increasing economic development, housing Kathmandu followed by rental housingsub-system affordability will remain unchanged. In this regard, suppliedprimarily by individualowner builderswith housing tinance could also contribute towards increasing few exceptions of apartment housing recently the supply of land plots and housing itnits. However, supplied by private developers. Supply of apartment formal housingfinanceat present iswithin the reach housing is expected to increase after promulgation of the ofonlya fraction of the urban households.Individual Apartment Act in 1997 Approximately 30 percent of the mortgage systems, high interest rates and short payback city's households are living in rental acconimodation. periods are i~nfavorableto poor urban households. - - Chart 2: Growth of Population in Kathmandu i I Growth of Population in Kathmandu I I ! 800000 1 729690. .-r0 ~00000j - - - - - - - - - -- - - - --- - - 1I 1 + C ~00000 421258-- -- - - - - - -- - - - - I P 150402 0 200OOQ - - - - - a 0 1 1971 1981 1991 2001 I I Year I Housing stock in Kathmandu was estimated to be Consequently, conimunity savings and credit initiatives 53,311 units whereas the deficit was estimated at have become increasingly popular among urban poor 10,942 units in 1991. Observing the trends of communities and such schenies have the potential to population increase, new household formation, and a promote co-operative housing tinances with the support trend of housing supply in response to it, it is estimated of other local institutions. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Tahle 14: lncome Distributionof Households of Kathmandu Income Monthly Mean Consumption % of Estimated Quintile Average HH income (Rslcapita per Kathmandu income range Income annum) population 1 1,114 2,571 0 < 3300 2 1,686 3,893 0.2 3300 - 4500 3 2,228 5,142 3.3 4500 6200 - 4 3,097 7,147 6.7 6200 - 8500 --- 5 6,605 15,243 89.8 > 8500 As housing is considered an important sector of the city's 3. Limited public sector land development programs economic development, the national policies and plans and housing plots becoming increasingly have stressed to increase the production of dwelling unaffordable which are not responding to the units, maintain and improve existing stock, as well as increasing demands of majority of urban middle mobilize and allocate financial resources both for and low-income households. production and maintenance of dwelling units. Development of densified residential areas in the 1.ss11e.srelnterl to Institutions, Legislation and city is of primaryconcern, howeverobsolete master Regulrrtion plan and absence of a land use plan have led to 4 . Lack of institutional capacities and absence of haphazard and scattered low-density residential clear-cut responsibilities among institutions development. within K M C and outside institutions due to which there are duplication of roles (land development, monitoring) and lack of accountability of 2.5.2 Issues of Housing in Kathmandu institutions resulting in weaker enforcement of law and regulations. The current housing situation in Kathnlandu leads to 5. Lack of adequate laws and regulations (no laws for the identification of issues, which need to be addressed housing cooperatives, building codes, building for immediate relief such as nianagernent of squatters standards) and existing standards are and slums and in the long run, for the efficient operation inappropriate for the benefit of urban poor families. of housing markets including liousing finances. Issues relater1to Housing Cottstructiort Technology Issues related to servicerl Irrridplots 6. Lack of research in developing low cost technology 1. Cadastral records are not updated according to land for innovative and efficient infrastructures, buiding use change and land use maps are not being indicative, construction and housing processes and lackof fiscal which results in difficulty in land acquisition for incentives for promotion of low cost housing planned development of plots, difficulty in technology. regulating subdivision control and difficulty in assessingappropriate valuation of land. Issues relrrterl to Housing Finance 2. Haphazard subdivision of land plots without 7. Limited formal housing finance institutions adequate infrastructure services due to absence of operating in the city and policies are unfavorable to effective meclianisms to regulate and govern land ~najorityof lower income families. Majority of loans subdivision. available are for purposes other than housing I I Table 16: HousingAffordability, 2000 Particulars Standards Cost in Nrs. Unit Remarks Land 80 625,000.00 mz @ Rs. 4,000,000 per Ropani (509 m2) Infrastructures Minimum basic--96,000.00 - Rs. 1,200 per net-- --- Roadsand drainage -- rn2of land. Water -- Electricity . -- SolidWaste - --- Sewer -- -PA Sheller 35 210,000.00 m2 @ Rs. 6,000 per m2 -- Total 931,000.00 -- development and lack of fiscal incentives to 2. Preparation of land use plan with approprinte financial institutions to invest in rnass social torting and sirbdivision regulation housing. o Debelop appropriate standardsfor land subdivision and infrastructure service provisions (Trunk Issues relater1 to Sliims arid Squatter Settlements infrastructure planning) 8 . Lack o f infrastructure services and substandard a Promotion of compatible land uses (mixed rooms in rented slums in inner city areas. cornniercial and residential) 9. Growing squatters and continued unauthorized Publication of land use plans and implementation, occupancy o f public land and buildings due to enforcement of regulation absence of clear cut policies regardingurban squatters. 10. Lack of tenure security due to illegal occupation 3. Increase suppl~lof afforrlable housing plots which is affccting social, physical, economic as well nieeting the clemanrls of various income groups as human developnient in squatter scttlcments. /~r~rticularlymiddle and low-iticome houseliolrlv tlirougli reguluterl housing .sc/tetrles Use of under-utilizcd open space judiciously for 2.5.3 Strategies residential purposes u Promote public privatepartnership ventures for I. Developmentof'lnnd-useZtiformation Svsteni land development programmes (land pooling. Update both public and private land holding records readjustment, sitcs and services) and cadastral maps 0 Encourage cross subsidy for the benefit of low- 3 Preparation of land use maps as per land use income groups in land development programs change and urban land classification such as through provision of and allocation of certain cornniercial, residential, mixed, institutional etc. percentage of lalid plots to LlGs with reduced and affordable plot sizes) I Tablc 17: Growth in Squatter Settlements in Kathmandu I I year No of Settlements No. of Households Population Remarks I 1 1992 33 1,271 6,355 -- 1 1996 47 1,783 8,927 1998 49 2,021 10,323 2000 61 2,031 11,862 Includessettlements of adjacentVDCs CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Incentives to developers for the provision of land o Strengthen national building research institution plots to LlGs through subsidization in development through improved resources and collaboration with permit chargesifees other research institutioris o Promotion of readymade apartment units and rental o Promotion of pilot pro-iectsfor demonstrations and housing units though development of effective tools their publications such as service fee discountiproperty tax subsidy LI Provision of fiscal incentives on marketing of local for such housing development technology LI Improvement and i~pgradationof existing housing o Information dissemination on technology through stock publication o f manuals, holding seminars, Promotion of dwelling units for floating population workshops and exhibitions. such as dormitorics, rooms for short term bed and o Publication of prototype designs, plans for housing cooking facilities catering to lower and middle income groups by o Encourage employees housing facilities. promotion KMC and subsidization on service charges / building of service quarters at private residential buildings permit fees. for service providers (maids, Iioi~sekeepers) 7. Encourage more housing fintmce institutions to 4. Strengthen institrrtionrrl ant1 mtlnagemerit oj),/,errrtein tlte cil?, capabilities of KMC (UDD) ar~rlrerIcJiite its roles LI Encourage banks, finance companies to invest in o Development of human resources (t~.ainingot'UDD housing development by bringing in favorable staff technically) to undertake 111.bnndevelopment policies (tax incentives to institutions for investments and management works) in social housing) o Monitoring of building permits issued to ensure o Pronlotion of effective mobilization of tinancial compliancewith regulation, update and maintain records resources (altractive schemesto tap household savings) of building construction as per completion cet-tificatcs LI NHDFC's activities need to expand to reach LlGs issued and types of building usage for sound tax base u Improve existing housing finance mechanisms o Imposition of penalty for non-compliance with (increase mortgage loans, introduce collective regulation mortgages, con~munitycollateral for low-income societies, cross subsidization of loans for LlGs, arid 5. Review of urban Iantlpolicy, Itrntl baser1frrxesfor loans lo be made available to pnrchase land, improve urbttrr use, review oj'crrdnstrulIrrrvs. misting Ilouse incrementally, and new construction) o Formulate adequate lawslacts regarding housing o Development of community savings into housing cooperatives for poor households to get access to finance co-operatives to operate at community levels adequate housing. (~natcliingfunds by donors) o Private institutions, NGOr and community groups to o Develop mcchanisnis for provision of loans to buy take initiatives for resource tapping and mobilization land plots. house improvenients, and new house o Revision and reformation of old building bye- conslructions. laws, codes and standartls for appropriate present use and future reqi~irements 8. Instilrrte minimum service stanrlards (water, o Formulation of land pooling act. land si~bdivision sewers, garbage rlisposal)for rental housing units regulation, real estate act and supporting regulations. o Institute minimum service standards, formulation o Adoption of area specific codes to maintain and enactment of slum act heritage homes (use of TDR) o Standards to ensure fire and structural safety o Reduction of standardsfor lower income households (reduction of plot sizes. FAR) to suit their 9. Control and prevention of new squatters and affordability manrgement of existing squatters through o Enforcement of larid usecontrol measures, effective 6. Development of research on low-cost housing monitoring of public/private land uses technology o Protection of publiclprivate unused land and o Provision of incentives to researchers and buildings and plan for appropriate uses professionals for develop~nento f low-cost Social housing mechanisms for old, deprived, poor construction technology and disadvantaged groups of citizens CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES . Management of existing squatters (as of Januaray CI Provision of temporary security to stay for 2001) for the protection of their housing rights on squatters before finding other alternatives the basis of cases of settlements (types, location, density, solidarity of coni~nunities)and legalization of settlements (relocation and 2.5.4 Progress Indicators: resettlement, ripgrading of existing sites with regularization based on typology of each settlement I . Building bye-laws are revised to adopt building wherever applicable) codes, area specific regulations such as heritage u Formulation and implementation of settlement zones, flood prone areas etc. improvement programmes in suitable sites to 2. Land use maps with zoning regulation prepared, improve quality of houses and infrastructure published and implemented. u Ensure community participation for effective 3. Land and housing development programs arc implementation of programmes and future replication initiated with private sector participation. o Formulation ofslum actto instituteminimum service 4. New land and housing development projects are standards,and stpndards for structural and fire safety. initiated. 5. Investments in social housing (housing for elderly, 10. Provision of granting securizbl of tenure on the women's welfare etc.) are initiated. basis of non-transjierable collective ownership, 6. Demonstration of low-cost housing in KMC area leaseholds for poor people. o Provision of granting tenure security (the types of 7. Improved urban land policy and property taxation tenure to be worked out in detail during the period system is initiated. of implementing action programmes in close co- 8. Demarcation of public land for protection from ordination with KMC, Federation of squatters and encroachments. NGOs) 9. A clear-cut squatter policy is adopted. 10. Regularization, resettlement schemes as pilot project arc carried out. CITY DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY 2.6 MUNICIPAL SERVICES There are duplications of jurisdiction and functions among the Ministry of Industry, NWSC, DDC and 2.6.1 Existing Situtatiorl Municipalities regarding sewage management. Due to lack of mitigation measures industrial effluents and Institutional capability of KMC for urban management sewerage has increased the pollution load to an and planning is manifested by technically wcak, unsatisfactory level. The catchment of Kathmandu incompetent organizational structure and deficiency of Metropolitan City is without a proper sewage qualified manpower. There is inadequacy of legislation collection system and most of the drainage is not dealing with the key municipal service problen~s.The following the natural topography in the core city area. Government policy, rules and regulation are insufficient Few people understand the difference between surface to cope with the problems. The financial status of the drains and foul sewers and connect their toilets to the municipality is dependent on the Central Government, nearest and most convenient source. leading to a weakness in institutional capability. KMC is unable to collect enough taxes, and the gaps Solid waste management of Kathmandu Metropolitan between revenue and expenses are the present City is becoming con~plexlargely due to the emerging constraints. There is an absence of standard notion of "WAR on WASTE". Kathmandu Metropolitan regulations and legally enforceable building and City generates on an average 3 10 tons of solid waste sanitation codes. per day which comprise of organic waste (57 %), inorganic material (35 %) and the rest (8%). No special Most roads in the Kathmandu City are in poor arrangements are made for proper treatment and condition. Major secondary roads are full of mud in disposal of hazardous wastes, including hospital the core city due to drainage problems, poor waste. The solid waste management policy has not engineering practices and lack of maintenance clearly mentioned whether to manage domestic waste 1,imitless potholes are evident which hold water and only or to include hazardous wastes coming out from further weaken the road's base course pavement. The hospitals, industries etc. Moreover, the policy does not traffic control junctions contribute to inefficient use specily incentive programs for those promoting waste of the available road space It seems that there is no recycling. The jurisdiction and empowerment are traffic regulation and traffic is out of control in the illconsistent and in conflict with the act controlled by (i) city road junctions. Considering the vehicle growth rate Municipalities Act, (ii) NWSC Act and (iii) SWMKM in the city and the increasing traffic congestion, there Act. The controlled sanitary landfill site for final is a growing demand for additional new road links to disposal of solid waste is not yet in operation and urban areas and expansion of the existing road Ividth. there is no indication of operation in near future as Maintenance of roads is generally the responsibility of the site is still being sought. the Department of Roads (DoR). However, thc DoR has a number of conflicting priorities with regard Approxin~ately,100% of the population in the to the allocation of resources. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has access to electricity supply. The current number of consumers The quantity of drinking water supply in Kathmandu of different categories in the Kathmandu is 132,826 is insufficient due to inadequate source and high domestic, 476 commercial, 2,284 industrial, all of percentage of leakagethat corresponds to 32.3%and 30.5% which are metered. Demand has been growing at of total supply during wet and dry seasons respectively. To an average rate of 10% per annum over the past resolve conflicts with different water users, there is a lack 5 years in the KMC. Systems are predominantly of specific administrative authority with appropriate overhead and local substations ( 1 l kVl400 V) are mechanism. Limited supplies and poor quality of water normally pole moi~ntedin the dense urban areas.. are causing unsanitary situation in most of the households Major efforts are still lacking to improve the level and are largely affecting personal hygiene. The static of street lighting in urban areas of Kathmandu. groundwater level in the well field has declined due to the Normally accepted standards of illumination are largescaleof waterabstraction fromthe ground.Thewater not achieved in the majority of streets. Street level has fallen between 6 & 15meters in the past years in lighting in the municipality is the responsibility of the Manohara, Gokama and Bansbari well fields. The the n~etropolitancity but it appears to do little in shallow groundwater in urban areas is heavily polluted, this field and NEA has installed lighting on the major both chemically and biologically. roads of KMC. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Parklgarden facility is available within 500 m o The KMC is unable to handle entire municipal catchment zone of metropolitan city in wards 1, 4, 1 I , services due to lack of experienced manpower and 16, 19, 20,21, 2 2 , 2 4 , 2 5 , 2 7 , 3 0 , 3 1 and 32 only. competent organizational structures. Traders and street hawker occupy most of the o 'There is weak institutional arrangement to carry out available open spaces where public relaxation, urban development and monitoring process at the gatherings are supposed to take place. The wards local level. 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10, 12, 13, 14,36,28,29,34and35 No specific agencies to determine standards. have no access to park and garden facility, as there is reinforcement or monitoring system related to no land available for garden and parks. None of the municipal services. government agencics have interests in garden and park development in the city. Kathmandu Metropolitan City is responsible for maintaining parks and other 2.6.2.2Road network recreation spaces, and has undertaken some greening process in certain areas such as 'Thapathali, Mathighar, LI High numbers of potholes with accumulated water Minbhawan, Airport, Teku, Gaushala, Kalimati, on the roads are damaging base course of the road Bagbazar, Jamal, Kingsway, Jawalakhel, Chabahil, pavenient. Ratnaparh, Tinkune, Maharajgunj etc. CI The combination of potholes and deformed road pavements is accelerating accidents in the city. o It seemsthere is absenceoftraffic regulation or tends 2.6.2 Issues on Municipal Services to be out of control in the city road junctions. o Present traffic congestion demands widening ofthe 2.6.2.2 Institrrtionrrl Caprrbility existing roads in urban area. o Absence of long-term vision on city road o Too many agencies involved in infrastructure and expansion, keeping in view the increased traffic urban development with differing laws and volume. jurisdictions. o The KMC has no experienced manpower to handle O KMC's capacity to exercise direct tax collection entire road works of KMC's future activities. within its boundary is weak. o Most oftheroadworks arecompletedby labourforce. Table 18: Traffic flow in the major roads of KMC I S.No Routes Bus MinibusTrolley Safa Total Queue Tempo 1 Kirtipur - Ratnaprk 2533 7933 0 288 10754 2 Dakshinkali - Ratnapark 1420 2791 0 168 4379 3 Ratnapark Baudha Jorpati- Thali - - 7860 6748 0 378 14986 4 Ratnapark -Airport Maharajgunj - Gongabu - 4978 4274 0 189 9441 5 Ratnapark - Chabahil- Sundharijal 3816 3425 0 0 7241 6 Ratnapark - Purano Baneswor Chabahil - 8122 6973 0 528 1 5 6 2 3 7 Ratnapark - JorpatiSankhu 3516 2409 0 0 5925 8 Lagankhel - Ratnapark 10666 8450 0 1404 20520 9 Patandhoka - Ratnapark 1 2745 0 0 1330 14095 1 1 Narayanthan - Maharajgunj - Ratnapark 649 4397 0 624 5670 - - 13 Bhaktapur - Koteswar Ratnapark - 20050 24849 0 18 44917 14 Bhaktapur - Koteshwor -Tripureswar 4763 1410 11349 0 17522 15 Bhaktapur Koteshwor Lagankhel - - 0 6915 0 24 693% 16 Bhaktapur - Puranobato - Ratnapark 19309 -- 28388 0 0 47697 17 Thankot Sahidgate - 1379 6699 - 0 486 8564 18 Lagankhel - Koteshwor Gongobu - 0 5598 -- 0 0 --5598 19 Ratnapark - Balaju 0 6258 0 1 3 9 2 - 7650 -- -- -- - Tolal 89061 12751 7 11349 6849 234776 --- CITY DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY 2.6.2.3WaterResources and Supply o Lack of timely cleaning and regular maintenance of city drainage in the core area has resulted in serious o Drinking water supply in KMC is insufficient and blockage of drains. the quality does notconformto WHO standard. o Due to unbalanced size of storms pipes in the o Drinking water distribution pipelines are very old citycorearea, frequent flooding occurs even during and sewerage lines are located nearby. minor storms in the major urban areas. o More than 30% of water is lostthrough leakage due to the lack of controlling mechanism. o Large quantities of water are consumed in the 2.6.2.5 Solid Waste Management industries located within KMC and their consumption is not regulated. o Disputes in solid waste management activities o Riverbed levels are fallingdown dueto regular sand between SWM&RMC and KMC has resulted in removal. wastes being dumped on the roads and riverbanks. o Groundwater abstraction is exceeding safe yield o Landfill site is still being sought. thresholds due to low ground water replenishment. o There is no definite objective and long term I vision on KMC's solid waste management. Table 19: Water Availability o Athough 70% of waste is biodegradable, no organization has yet initiated its utilization. Available Condition to % of NWSC o Around 35% of recyclable wastes are disposed haphazardly on the streets. 1 I Consun~ers Wet season Dry Season 1 I 19% G - 24 hrs 4'- 24 hrs o Due to lack of motivation, enforcement and weak F:i:ient 15% 6 8 hrs - 4 - G h r s managementof the niunicipality,around 900sweepers Poor 49% 3 4 hrs - 1 - 2 h r s of KMC fail tocollect the dailywastes from thestreets. Nowater 15% 0.5 - 1 hrs 0 - 0.5 hrs o The existing policy does not clearly mention Noresponse 3% incentive activities for the recycling of waste. o 5394 of waste is disposed directlyonto the streets, o 2246 of waste is disposed at the KMC container 2.6.2.4 Drainage and sewerage or in the tractor, o 4% organic waste is being made into compost in o Drainage of the core city area is frequently blocked the household, due to siltation and solid waste disposal. a 8%of waste iscollectedby doorto doorservices, o The existing legal enforcement is not being actively o 5% of recyclable waste is sold directly from the applied either by the niunicipality or NWSC. sources, and o Most of the sludge is disposed into the river, due to non-functioning of sewcragc treatment plant. a Most of the chamber and branch connections are overflowing in the city core area due to lack of proper maintenance and timely cleaning. 2.6.2.6 Electricity; streetlight I Table 20: Efficiencyof Sewerage u Streetlighting is the responsibility of KMC but it appears to do little in this field. Months Seasonal Months Seasonal u Legislations and policies for streetlight handling by Factor Factor the stakeholders do not exist. o Industries and institutions require large quantity of January 76% July 100% electricitythat isprovided atthecostofhouseholdsupplies. February 79% August 99% March 87% September 98% u There is no long-term vision on electricity April 93% October 92% distribution within Kathniandu Municipality. Ma 97% November 84% o Kathmandu as a Metropolitan City has not yet 99%- December 78% been able to provide uniform electricity supply and adequate streetlight in the major streets. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2.6.2.7 City Greening o Traffic regulation should beenforced strictly to make efficient use of the available road space. o Traders and street hawkers have occupied the 0 Expand the width oftheroad inthc followingsheets open spaces designated for public parks. since some space is available for expansion: a) o The land around growing urban centers is deficient Lainchour - Shourekhutteya, b) Ratnapark - in public recreation spaces. Bagbazar and c) New Road-Pako area (confidence Most of the Guthi lands within KMC are building pilot action plan). unproductive. o The DoR should develop city road standards o KMC does not have overall policy on city based on AASTHO or International standard greening. keeping in view local conditions and capacity. o Along the ring road, green belts are presently used as parking place for Buses and Trucks. o The entrepreneurs are not investing in park and 2.6.3.3 WaterResources And Siipp[v gardening business. o The codes of standard and legal provision are Establish treatment plants for surrace sources at overlooked for greenery in building permits issued Bansbari and Mahankal Chaur which gives around by the municipality. 43 rnld water. o lieplace alldrinkingwater distributionpipelineswhich are very old and are closely located to sewerage lines. 2.6.3 Strategies Establish a leakage detection and controlling program and install bulk meter~ngfacilities. 2.6.3.1 Municipal Itzstitutional Caprzbility Relocate industries and institutions which require large quantity of water outside the valley. LI To avoid overlaps. clarify jurisdictions with other o Construct weirs alongthe width oftheriver at proper agencies involved in urban development. places to create setting pools of water and to arrest In close co-ordination with the Ministry of Finance sand in the Inonsoon period. Deposited sand can be and NI L.D. formulate legislation and enforcement taken out prior to rnonsoon when the next load of mechanism for more effective tax collection sand is deposited. within municipality boundary. There are potential run-of-river Schemes with For better urban developinent in KMC, the Central maintenance in Manohara, Kodku, Nakhu, Balkhu governi-nent.INGOs and concerned agencies should and Lambagar Khola respectively. All these sources help to enhance KMCs institutional capability. have the reliability of supply for 4 to 6 months. Institutional strengthening at the local level is a prerequisite for efl'ective urban management. Therefore, stakeholders and communities should be 2.6.3.4Drainage Atzd Sewerage involved during for~ni~lationof policy, programs and nlonitoring process. Municipality and NWSC should give priority to Determine the setof standards,enforcementand cleaningof blockeddrains and take legal action monitoringsystem relatedto municipalservices. against those who repeatedly create such problems. Rehabilitate Dhobighat, Kodku, Salleri and Hanumante sewerage plants to treat sewerage. 2.6.3.2 Roads Network Immediately clear blockage of sewers and undertake any associated improvenlents with local support in 3 Immediate repair of potholes to protect base course the following areas; Tukucha Khola, Samakhusi pavement of the road. Khola, Ghattekulo - Dhobi Khola. J.P. High School u Present condition of city roads requires entire Area, Tahachal, Kalinlati - Kuleshwor - Ring Road, resurfacing. The DoR should resurface category A, Kamal Pokhari - 'l'ukucha Khola, Baneswor (old B and C roads respectively. The municipality barracks)-Dhobi Khola, Sarkigaon Area-Naya through mobilization of local community and Raneswor, Balaju - Ring Road - Bishnumati, Kapan Stakeholders should maintain category D roads. Marga, Raniban (behind Shangrila Hotel). clTY WVELOPMENT STRATEGY o Immediate cleaning of blocked drains and o KMC should buy bulk quantity of electricity improvements should be done in the following areas; from government for municipality and initiate Tebahal-Sundhara-Khedhal, Battisputali, Anam comprehensive electricity supply schemes at Nagar, Bhatbhateni-Tukucha Khola, Maiju Rahal- effective cost price. Chabahil, Banski Jhyang (New Plaza), Bramha Tole, o KMC should develop the capability over the long- Thapathali Maternity Hospital-Bagmati, term to handle entire electricity management, Maharajgunj-Tukucha Khola. distribution, repair and maintenance within Kathmandu Metropolitan boundary. 2.6.3.5 Solid WasteManagement 2.6.3.7 City Greening KMC and SWM&KMC should prepare and implement standard codes and practices on disposal The occupied open spaces by traders and squatters of waste. should be properly managed immediately. o Scientifictreatment technology should be developed o Further promotion and developmentofcitygreening for final treatment of waste as it is difficult to obtain is to be carried out, which KMC is presently land for sanitary landfill operation in the present initiating with stakeholder and entrepreneur context due to opposition by local communities. involvement. o Develop definiteobjectives for immediate,medium- o Encouragedevelopment of privately operated term and long-term management of solid waste recreation parks on Guthi and private lands. jointly with MLD. SWM&RMC and KMC. 0 Greening programs to be launched along the Grecn o Out of the310tonsldayofsolidwaste, 210tons Belt of the ring road with active participation of are organic; cornposting is the feasible option KMC and DoR, with local comnlunities 01. which KMC shc,uld initiate with private sector staheholders as caretakers. immediately. o The FNCCl should encourage business groups for o Reuse and recycle non-biodegradable waste promoting parks and garden in the cities, which may material (around 90 tonslday) through private sector be a good business for them. participation. o In building codes and standards, legal provisions o Theexistingpolicyshould beamended and incentive should be incorporated in the act to set aside a limited activities for local conlmunity and stakeholders for space of land as green space in all newly built recycling of waste should be promoted. Iiouses. o Route optimization technique should be applied by the municipality to avoid overlap ~novementof skips for collection of waste. 2.6.4 Progress Indicators: LI Teku transfer station should be maintained and operated immediately to avoid double handling of 1. Road widening schemes that have already been waste for unloading and reloading of waste in the planned, are implemented. window yards towards landfill site. 3. Sand trapping check- dams are constructed in strategic locations, specially near the bridges. 3 . Drainage in~provenlentprograms in selected wards 2.6.3.6 Electricity; Streetlightirtg are initiated. 4. Solid waste management through recycling process o Municipality to contribute one-third of capital cost is initiated with the private company taking the and pay future electricity charges by involvement responsibilities. of stakeholders. N E A to introduce innovative 5 .Streetlights are operated and thc costs are generated streetlight schemes with proper planning, design & from the public. installation, sharing two-thirds of capital cost. 6. Public recreational areas are developed in KMC o Encourage stakeholders or local comlnunity for area. operation and maintenance of streetlights and KMC 7. Along the ring road, at least some segment of the to formulatelegalizationpoliciesforstreet lightingand greenbelt is maintained and a system to replicate handling by the stakcholders. the same is developed for future. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2.7 HERITAGE remains and pockets of heritage charm continue to embellish the core of KMC. 2.7.1 Existing Situation: Altl~oughmany plans of conservation and tourism KMC hosts a significant portion of the world famous development havc bcen drawn in the past, only a few built heritage of Kathmandu valley (KV) along with four sniall actions have taken place. The strategic actions of the seven nionunients zones constituting the KV and development guidance to protect heritage World Heritage Site (KVWHS) including its core, the specificity of the core of Kathmandu, proposed as Kathnlandu Durbar Square. Monunlents and sites of early as 1964, is still in its infancy in terms of international, national. local and clan ilnportance sucli application. 'The first major conservation action in as palace, temples. Cliaityas and Bahals, edifices of Nepal, the UNESCOIUNDP assisted Hanumandhoka comniunity service ilnportance sucli as patis, sattals and Conservation Prqject, was started in 1972in KMC. Apart hitis and even un-built sites such as piths form part of from national and international attempts at conservation the physical heritage. The seasonal festivals, rit~ialsand of KVWHS zones, over the last few years, some cultural pi-occsscs, with artifacts and spaccs such as conservation/reconslruction attempts on a few of the chowks and lachchhis as wcll as the streets that provide outlying built heritage have been made. Some stone the forum and breathe life into the built heritage, are watcr conduits, patis and paved spaces have featured in also as important as the tradition of conservation such revival activities. In the latter case, despite the good ingrained in the Guthi system itself. Further. with inten(. inappropriate approaches and techniques have led handicrafts and associated family skills, costumes, to loss of originality. There has been no attempt to traditional food and culinary skills, and the like, all make strategically address the multi-faceted heritage with clear a complex sct of tangible and intangible heritage of ob.jective of augmenting livability of KMC. relevance to tlie well being of'the people as well. KMC derives its image out of this profuse collection of The strongest challenge to the urban heritage of cultural heritage. the valley stemsfrom the economic developmental pressures and social changes associated with The changing aesthetic and cultural lastc of the Rana continuing urban expansion. The cultural heritage period aristocracy was brought home to the general pockets. which also occupy strategic business locations population ironically by the reco~istructionfollowing the from current economic perspectives, such as city center great earthquake of 1934 and the consequent move to and main crossings. are engulfed by this basic change 'modernity' was further fueled by the strong cultural in urban for~nation. stresses that accolnpanied the changes of 1950.This trend continues unabated. much to tlie detriment of the heritage Also the built heritage has been inventoried to some of KMC. While, at the conimunity level, the loss of extent, such as through the Kathmandu Valley Inventory heritage was hastened by thc breakdown of the Guthi of 1975 and 'Kathamadaun Nagar Kshetrako Inventory, system. at the family level, loss has also resulted fr.orn 2039. No inventory of movable cultural property, intrusion of alien cultural practices, breakdown of archeological sites, festivals, rituals, heritage routes traditional extended family and the traditional practice of and open spaces, family associated cultural dividing land among heirs. The pressures of locations or surviving guthis and their land has yet development have engulfed many heritage sites been compiled. l'lie inventory reports are treated more underthe foundations of newconstructions. Heritage as ends in themselves rather than inputs to conservation. spaces are encroached commonly and Inany have been lost already. Streets and spaces have been slowly clad in liecently, the public opinioll and inclination towards an unpleasant cloak of modernity. At the same time, the conservation has greatly increased and positive attitude festivals and rituals are vanishing or truncated beyond towards traditional culture and its practice is observed. recognition and many monasteries and teniples have lost Trends in loss of visual ambient environment of the their religious fi~nction.The traditional skill is lost by the heritage zones, such as caused by the construction of day as the traditional professions lose social prefcrence. niodcrn buildings without regard to material, form and height control may continue until a cornpromise between However, blessed as the city is with so much of such ob-iective ends of conservation and developmental heritage, and despite the cloak of modernity that has demands pertaining at such zones is not struck. Recent greatly lessened the quality of the heritage, much still experience shows that there is a growing trend CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY towards the use of special facing bricks, Dachi-apa, iii. Issues of planning strategies to relieve heritage and minimum carved frames for doors and areas of development pressures -counter polarity windows in private buildingconstruction in the city development I etc. core, a positive indicator of public respect for the iv. Issues relating to offsetting development rights built character of the heritage streets and spaces. at heritage sites and appropriate reimbursement Cultural artifacts have been an area of larger creative v. lssues of pedestrianization adaptations as exemplified by adaptations seen in pottery, dress, carpet, paper crafts and,iewelry industries which (b)Lackofco-ordirrathnbetweentvviousagenciesinwltvd have been remarkable. in tlteconsewationof religbusand culturulheritage? vi. lssues of management of conservation or sharing Being the capital of Nepal and an inseparable and responsibility of conservation I preservation between definitive part of Kathmandu Valley, KMC's envisioned Department of Archaeology and Guthi Corporation. future needs to recognize its historical and cultural vii. lssi~esrelated to lack of community participation character and its place as the capital city. The vision. in Ileritage conservation therefore, is: Kathmandu ...A Capital with a Living Cultural Heritage (c) Lack of sufficient investmettts in cortservarion viii.lssues of conservation of the Guthi system The issues of culture and heritage for building up the (Resurrecting private I community Guthis) City Development Strategy of IA Absence of policy and 20 Available Roads (in km) 11,714 13,564 18,114 995 programmes on Gender equity, ski1l development, access and CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES control over resources and opportunities. domestic a) Streef Ctrilrlren and Clrilrl Labor: Develop clear violence were identified as the concerns on the policies, programmes and guidelines for KMC and Gender issue. create aNarencss campaigns. Initiate close collaboration and networking with concerned d) Employment nrrd Income Gerreration: Inadequate stakeholders (INGOs, GO and NGOs) to establish economic opportunities and eniployment, heavy rehabilitation centers and collective programmes. migration, increasing gap between the rich and poor and fi-agmcntation in social structure were tlie prime h) Girl's Trc!flickirrg:Collaborate in networking witli concerns under this issue. concerned stakeholders to creatc mass awareness and establish rehabilitation centers along with e) Educrrtion: Literacy prograriimcs for children and introduction of income generating activities to wonien, drug abuse. girl's trafficking increasing mitigate tlie poverl) situation. trend in unemployment were the major concerns under this issue. c) I-lmporvernlcnt of tlre Wonlen: Create gender- balanced policies and strategies to address the gender J) Heulth: Inadequate and expensive basic health related issues and involve stakcholders to implement services, mother-child health. education and different activities (i.e., scholarship, skill -oriented awareness on family planning were identified as the training and quota rewrvation/ short-term etc.). prime concerns under this issue. (1)Erl~rcrrfion:Develop networking with the conccrned g) Senior Home: Absence of policy, prograninies and stakeholders to create public awareness programmes rest house provisions for the senior citizens were to induce compulsory and quality edt~cation.Create the basic concerns under the issue. an intra-organisational monitoring mechanism by i~lvolvlngthe Ward Comlnittees. h) SocialSecrrrit~v:The rapid growth in the number of social ills and disorders due to various socio- e) Healflr: Develop networking among different economic factors (i. e., drug abuse. girl's trafficking, stal\-eliolders and create policy guidelines and domestic violence, food contamination, road safety working strategy to initiate sclf-sustaining quality etc.)were identitied as the prime concern under this basic public health services at tlie Ward Committees. Issue. f) Senior Horne: Develop clear policies, programnles i) People's Participation: Inadequate people's and guidelines for KMC and create awareness participation, lack of people's awareness and two campaigns. Initiate close collaboration and way conlmunication system, co-ordination and networking witli concerned stakeholders to establish confidence building along with feeling ofownership rest houscs and socio-economic progranilnes Ihr remained the prime concerns under this issue. senior citizens. j) Natrrrrrl Calurnities: Inadequate people's g) LSocirrlSecrrri~~: Devclop clear policies, progranimes participation, awareness, co-ordination and and guidelines for KMC and create awareness confidence buildi~igin disaster planning and carnpaiglis. Initiate collaboration and networking management along with lack of ownership remained with concerned stakeholders and expand the tlie prime concerns under this issue facilities and services (phase wise) to take full- fledged responsibility of Metropolitan social security. 2.8.3 Strategies /I) Unemplo~vmerrtanrl Income Generution: Develop The focus group discussions of 14 December 2000 and linkages with different stakeholders to assess and the Second Stakeholders' Meeting of 17 January 2001 develop appropriate mechanism to offer self- has come up with the following strategies to address the employment opportunities to self-motivated youths. various CD related issues: CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Initiate dialogue with the govcrnment to develop and 2.8.4 Progress Indicators: implement policies and programmes to mitigate the heavy migration in the Kathmandu Valley. I . The institutional capacity is developed and vision mission and ob.jectives of the department are clearly i) People's Participation: Adopt a inore transparent defined including annual targets. and participatory approach by providing equal and 2. Networking and linkages are developed with ample opportunities to all concerned stakeholders prominent partner organizations. to participate in the dcvelopment process. 3. Overall capacity building from ward level to central level are carried out. j) Natural Calamity: Develop close networking with 3. A community development data bank and the concerned stakeholders to initiate mass information system is established in KMC in the awareness raising campaigns on disaster prevention proposed information center of KMC. and preparedness. Establish a steering committee 5. The budgetary constraints are minimized and in KMC to co-ordinate and manage the natural adequate l'unds allocated for the department calamities programme. comparable to other department budgets. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2.9 ENVIRONMENT system to visualize the future of the valley, and the means and mechanisms to move towards that 2.9.1 Existing Situation: vision. Among the multitude of factors contributing to the 'This report outlines many issues pertaining to increased momentum of urban growth in the valley are environmental problems of Kathmandu. These issues the inordinate concentration of decision-making and cannot be dealt with simultaneously and will have to be development functions in the valley owing to its being done in stages. KMC will require substantial external the political and economic capital of Nepal. While in help to organize the needed programs, to develop countries like India or Pakistanthe political capital its institutional capacity, and to effectively change and the financial capital remain more or less as the quality of life of Kathmandu's residents. separate entities, both these roles have tended to However, the most fundamental source of change must reinforce each other in a single region, i.e., the emerge from the collective efforts of the local people Katmandu Valley, in Nepal. As a result, Kathmandu and their communities. A large part of the valley-wide Valley has become the focal point of public sector issues in environment cannot be resolved without the employnlent in the country, besides being the rna.jor active participation of the central government and the center of private sector elnployment catering to an donor communities. Similarly, for many of the increasing population, for whom proximity to the centers environmental problems in Kathmandu, fundamental of decision-making and development fi~nctionsis lrlost changes in conventional approaches are needed to vital. decrease cost and increase effectiveness, such as public private participation programs. Much greater emphasis What emerges quite clearly in the first instance is that the is needed on decentralized solution, based upon active KMCcannot beconsidered onlywith referenceto the participation of local organizations supported by Kathmandu Valley, and that its roles and functions adequate institutional and financial support from other transcend the limits of the valley, encompassing the entire line agencies including private sector and funding country. agencies. Secondly, more than any other settlement system in Nepal, the major concern in Kathmandu is not with 2.9.2 Problenis and Issues: respect to attracting off-land econonlic activities per se. The concern is more regardingthe type of economic There are plethora of problems and issues that are vely activities in juxtaposition to the environment. lrluch visible in the KMC. While the problems seem to Because of the unique physical setting of the valley and be concentrated in city core area only, the solutions lie unplanned urban sprawl, there are serious constraints to beyond the municipal boundary in terms of physical the provision of essential services like drinhing water, development. The administrative jurisdiction of KMC sewerage and drainage while at the same time, the levels limits its influence area within the municipality where of river, ground water, air and noise pollution are tending as the problems is of national level. A very complex to reach precarious levels. This is resulting in rapid situation exists at present while seeking meaningful and degradation of the natural as well as built-environment, implementable solutions. Nevertheless, some of the jeopardizing the very basis upon which sustainable issues and problenls are identified below. growth and development depend. Thirdly, while the functions and activities have Broader Issues of National Significance: nlultiplied in the Kathmandu Valley over the years, there has been a conspicuous and relative decline in the (i) Urbcrtzization and environmenf: irlstitutional capacity to handle these functions. The In the context of environment of the Kathmandu build-up of the local, municipal and district capacity to metropolis in particular and the entire valley in general, deal with problems arising from rapid urbanization have it is important that carefully drawn development been inhibited and hampered by political exigenciesand strategies are to be developed and bold environmental pressures exerted by the imperious presence of the protection measures are to be initiated at the earliest central authority. There is in effect, an "operational possible. Kathmandu serves as the main engine of vacuum", and the total lack of an institutionalized economic growth as well as the fulcrum of social, CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY cultural, spiritual, scientific, political and administrative (iv) Envirotrmental C'onslraintsto Growth: advancement. Failure to take effective nleasures to It has been a matter of serious debate among planners improve its environrrent now, will result in disastrous and policy makers to define the pattern of future growth consequences. Moreover, effective management of oftlic Katliniandu City. I-Iowever, it can be conclusively Kathmandu's environment and holistic and said that Kathmandu's development cannot be balanced development of the valley as a unit can modeled on the pattern of big metropolitan cities help in advancing the national development like Bombay, Delhi and such other cities of South objectives. Asia, for the chief reason that both natural and financial resources of the valley and the nation at (ii) Frr~gnzentedPolitictll Bountluries clnd Unified large, are limited. Unlimited expansion of Kathmandu Environmet~tulReali ~ ' LI ! I >I>> I'JcJ(>) CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY acceptable limits except of heavier iron concentration Table 25: Bacterial Levels in Kathmandu Drinking in some reservoirs and treatment plants. Ground Water Water quality in stone spouts, dug wells and tube wells is also poor with varying levels of bacterial contamination. Surface water is both cheinically and biologically polluted. Researches have proved that this is mainly due (WHO Standard <1 Coliform per to raw sewage, industrial effluent and solid waste. Balaju Park 0 0 0 Noise pollution in the Kathmandu City is reported to Bhimsenthan 9 15 3 beon a steady rise.The major sources being vehicular Bhimsenthan (Well) 20 15 0 traffic, air traffic and iiidustries that are inappropriately BaneshworChowk 0 0 9 located (in school or residential areas). In areas such as - Bag Bazaar 15 13 3 Bhotahity 3 75 15 Ratna Park, Bir Hospital, Thapathali and Teku, noise Bhotahitytubewell 0 0 0 levels during heavy traffic hours exceed 100 dba. Noise Chhetrapati Chowk 15 20 0 control measures neither exist nor are reinforcing Chikarnugal 75 15 43 mechanisms in place. In the absence of regulatory Dallu 150 240 9 mechanisms and controls, noise pollution will remain Dallu (Spout) 75 460 43 an environnlental hazard in the Kathmandu Valley. Dharahara 3 3 0 Dilli Bazaar 9 3 0 Canabahal 20 75 15 - Cyaneshwor 0 3 0 7.9.3 Strategies Cyaneshwor Well 15 43 0 - -- Hyumat Tole 240 75 75 The development of strategies for environment Hyumat Tole Well 460 4800 20 protection has been linked with the opportunities to Karnal ~okhari 15 15 0 - implement various programs. The strategy has been Kalimati 240 75 9 Lainchaur 0 0 0 developed with an intention to reconcile the needsof - Maruhiti 15 15 0 the fast growingurban population and the quality Naradevi 20 240 9 of the cityenvironmentin terms of four elements. This Naradevi well 240 460 -- reconciliationprovidestheguidelinefordeveloping 3 Naxal Chardhunga 15 9 0 environmental strategies. Om Bahal Paknaiole Elements Strategic Guidelines Thaihitv 0 3 0 Thahitv (well) 0 3 20 Wise-use Manage the use of municipal non- regenerative resources wisely such as Wotu 0 3 0 land and its heritage assets; Table 26: Noise Level in Different Sites in Kathmandu. S.N. Locations Noise level(dBA) Year Remarks 1. Trichand Campus 80-90 1985 Educationalarea 2. Amrit Science Campus 75-85 1985 Educational& Residenteal area 3. Ratna Park 72-91 1985 Bus park & Market 4. Bir Hospital 90-95 1985 Hospital area 5. Teku 85-100 1985 Businesslocality 6. Jochhen * 82-100 1985 Business locality 7. Larimpat * 80-98 1987 Market & Residential area 8. Putalisadak * 82-98 1987 Residential area 9. Ashan 73-80 1985 Market area CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Protection Protect the city from activities that are will have to make a very critical choice of the not compatible to its development goals strategiestheywill pursueto meetthe short-term and the projected futuristic vision; needs and yet ensure KMC's long-term Preservation Developtools to protect historical and prosperity. archaeological values and undertake measures to preserve cultural property and (c) Strategies to munage pollution: cultural expressions to enhance built This group coniprises solid waste management, air, environment; water, noise and land pollution. In this group of Restoration Undertake measures to restore natural environment problems, most of the corrective measures and builtenvironmentalcomponents. are dependent on administrative and legislative actions A determined effort has been made to avoid developing of the central government. KMC can, however, act as a a strategy that consists of a series of imprecise supporting agency. Some of the strategies for corrective recommendations based upon theoretical constructs. measures in this group are: Instead, the goal has been to develop an environmental action agenda that is realistic and DOABLE-hence (i) Pollutiull: capable of iniplemertation by municipal government. o Identification of implementable standards for persistent pollutants and adoption of national (a) Management of Environmentrd Construints to measures to limit the release of such pollutants into Growth: the environment. (i) Planning, nianagenient and control of pollution Building up of technological capacity of KMC and prone economic functions in KMC and in the MOPE through strengthening technical manpower. valley for environniental quality; KMC can also benefit from various studies being (ii) Land, water and air are the resources that are carried out by NGOs. Environment department of finite and limited and hence, should be treated as KMC plays a critical role in updating information severe constraints to growth of the valley; and putting a pressure on central government for (iii) Kathmandu valley is a unique place in the world initiating remedial actions at the central level. and hence, its development needs to be sympathetic to national and global interests. (ii) Land: In so far as land is concerned, a managenlent strategy of (6) Minimising high socio-economic hpacts of "appropriate location for appropriate function" has environmental clisri~ptions: to be pursued. Land inventories have already begun in (i) New economic development plans for Kathmandu KMC (KVMPJEEC project) and comprehensive land use needs to be cautiously adopted by the central within KMC is expected to result in future. governnient so that they are fully suppleniented by adoption of new and environment friendly o Land ownership of KMC should be improved by economic activities. acquiring public land and securing then1 for public (ii) Of all the economic activities in the Kathmandu or other economic utilization. KMC will need to valley, uncontrolled industrial developrnent can have acquire as much land as possible within and a rnarked impact. Shifting priority from industry outside the KMC's political boundary. If need be, to tourism should be a strategic goal. This is KMC's boundaries should be expanded and it should iniportant for KMC because, touristic values that accommodate neighbouring areas for future growth. are present in Kathmandu and which took several hundred years to develop, can never (iii) LVater: be replaced by industrial development. o Acompletebanonsand miningwithinthevalley (iii)There is equally a serious danger in the effect from rivers and promotion of treatment pIants for urbanization has on the social aspects of Kathmandu. effluents will be a good beginning. Specific national How to ensure that the urbanization are made action on the part of central government has to be responsible for the loss of social and cultural given full support from KMC. harmony is a question that may never be answered. However, the question of priority will have to be (iv) Cultural and Natural Heritage: clearly defined, Once again, long-term social costs o Developmentof historical sites and recreational would have to be brought into picture, and the KMC parks, and conservation of representative samples CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY o f its most important biological communities (xi) Donor assistance ant/ actionprograms: through gaining ownership of such areas. As an immediate measure, the list of tentative projects Old buildings of architectural significance should (CAP) should be widely discussed with donor be declared as "heritage buildings". Develop community and financial institutions. criteria for such recognition and provide incentives to maintain them. (Xii,/ Itistitutional &velopment: -the institutional needs of CDS are not for creating (v) Industriul Pollution: new government agencies. There are already too The environmental concern need not and should not lead many- but for an arrangement which will improve: to discouragement of all the industries. On the other hand, high value added and clean industries could o Co-ordination between KMC and other supporting be promoted. Only large and medium scale industries government and non-government agencies, and pollution prone indi~stries.even if they are small, u Evaluation of ministry plans within the context of needs to be discouraged. an overall CDS programs, specially plans of MOPE and ML,D, (vi) Public Education: o Liason with and management of private sector KMC with the help of other agencies, should take developnlent activity in environment protection, immediate steps to develop in KMC's citizens an Implementation of agreed and prioritised programs. "environmental ethic". To this end, KMC should ernploy the media (Metro F.M.) and other means of communication. 2.9.4 Progress Indicators: (vii) Injbrrnatioti: I. CDS and CAP is discussed with donor community and KMC should set up information centre in its city head financial institutions and administrative procedures quarter. This centre, in addition to providing document for projects that have funding potential begun. retrieval and referral services, should develop data banks 2. Landfill site is finalized for solid waste management on areas of priority interest. and private sector is given the responsibility of recycling the solid waste. (ix) Research: 3. An implernentable standard for drinking water KMC should initiate action oriented research supply is established. projects which will assist in decision-making. 4. Old and artistic buildings are declared as heritage Assistance should be sought from international agencies, buildings for protection of cultural environment. municipalities o f developed countries and local 5. KMC to initiate the process of not allowing any scientists. polluting industries in KMC area and a process of ETA is initiated for construction activities. (,r) Technical assistance: 6 . Localized and low-cost treatment plants are A comprehensive directo~yof the expertise available constructed in river banks. within the country should be compiled and they be made 7. Ownershipof landthrough expandingpolitical boundary regular source of expertise. A comprehensive directory for essential functions such as solid waste management, of institutions willing to help KMC should also be recreation, administration etc. are initiated. prepared for exchange of technical expertise. 8. "Polluters pay" principal is implemented in KMC area. 2.10 MUNICIPAL FINANCE Challenge I: Bridge the fiscal gap. Challenge 2: Develop and manage integrated 2.10.1 Existing Situation revenue collection system. Challenge 3: Introduce cost recovery concept. KMC, asa local government, is responsible for providing Challenge 4: Prepare long-term or periodic capital municipal services to an estimated 0.6 million people of budget and investment plans. Kathmandu, the capital city of the kingdom of Nepal. Challenge 5: Prepare balanced budget. To achieve this goal, it must prepare and manage a budget Challenge 6: Attract private sector participation in that is pro-jectedto be Nepalese rupees 1054million for the provision of municipal services. the fiscal year 200012001 (please see churls on the Challenge 7: Implement CAS effectively and Jollowing pages). Besides KMC. there are several efficiently. different agencies involved in providing services and Challenge 8: Improve auditing & internal control development activities in the city. system. Challenge 9: Acquire, develop, motivate and maintain Municipal finance describes the components of sound quality human resourcesfor municipal financial management; revenue generation; budget finance (and all other) activities. formulation and execution; financial information and Challenge 10:Develop effective result management control. In the municipal finance context, KMC is system for all components of municipal characterized by lowcollectionof taxes, insufficient finance. and under-qualified staff, dependency on the central government for the local development fee, and weak financial monitoring and evaluation. 2.10.3 Strategic Framework KMC's own funds have not been able to keep pace with the growing demands from incremental rate of 2.10.3.1 Goals urbanization, fast growing population, and increasing demand for its services. Setting broad goals for an organization based on the vision and mission statement is a vital part of the However, there exist various opportunities in the planning process. In KMC's context, while developing niunicipal finance area. The combined efforts of political the broad goals, the objectives of CDS also should be representatives and bureaucratic structure in the form considered, besides vision and mission. In the light of of timely and planned intervention could bring changes strategic challenges and other analysis, following broad in different sectors such as resource mobilization, goals could be outlined for the municipal finance budgeting, private sector participation, and accounting component: and financial reporting. The LSGA could be instrumental in this regard. Though there are a few shortcomings in the LSCA, it provides different options for 2.10.3.2 Policy Objectives resource mobilization, budgeting and accounting procedures. Strong political will, commitment and In order to meet above goals, the system of municipal combined action are the prerequisites for bringing the finance will need to be restructured in accordance desired change in the municipal finance area. with a number of basic policy principles: The objectiveof the CDS in the contextof municipal Coal 1 Bridgethe Fiscal Cap finance component is to increase bankability of KMC. Coal 2 Prepare Balanced Budget Goal 3 Involve Private Sector in the Provision of Municipal Services & Infrastructure 2.10.2 Issues (Strategic Challenges) Goal 4 Implement CAS Effectivelyand Efficiently Based on the issues, problems and gaps, the following Goal 5 Develop Human Resources strategic challenges have been identified: CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY I Chart 3: KMC Actual Revenue 1990-2000 KMC Revenue Data KMC Actual Revenue 1999-00 USTYEARS' BALANCE 1% LOANS 4% TAX NCOM E PRDR YEAR NCOME 8% 2% E FROM FEES 11% NCOM E FROM PROP 1% SUNDRY NCOME 4% iNTSAN I - - - - - - - Chart 4: Own Source Vs. Grants & Loans - Capital Expenditure Loans - - - Sundry lncome lncome from property Grants Donations -- --, lncomefrom fees Tax Income Own Source Grants & Loans Tax lncome 25,493,068 lncome from Fees 36,221,356 Grants and Donations Loans Income from Property . . 3,662,111 Sundry Income 14,899,491 Total own Source Rev (N. Rs.) 80,276,026 2.10.3.3Principles for the proposed include a capacity-building component to ensure that financial framework: people understand the process of prioritization - why resources are allocated to one set of things rather than (i) Revenue adequacy and certainty: to another. Accounting and financial reporting KMC needs to have access to adequate sources of procedures should minimize opportunities for revenue - either own sources or intergovernmental corruption and malpractice. transfer - to enable it +ocarry out the functions that have been assigned to it. KMC should come forward to fully (v) Equity & Redistribution: exploit these sources of revenue to meet the KMC must treat its citizens equitably with regard to the developmental objectives. KMC should have reasonable provision of services. In turn, the central government certainty of revenue to allow for realistic planning. must treat KMC equitably with regard to intergovernmental transfers. (ii) Sustainability: Financial sustainability requires that KMC ensure (vi) Development and Investment: a balanced budget(income should cover expenditures). Meeting the basic needs in the context of existing issues Given revenue constraints, this involves ensuring that related to the resource mobilization service backlogs will services are provided at levels, which are require increased investment in municipal infrastructure. affordable, and that KMC is able to recoverthe cost Public Private Partnerships such as leases and of servicedelivery. It is the responsibility ofthe political concessions, Administrative Systems, provide a leaders to ensure that they set realistic budgets. However, mechanism for attracting private investment in there is a need for subsidization to ensure that poor municipal infrastructure. households, who are unable to pay even a proportion of service costs, have access to basic services. 2.10.4. Strategies (iii) Effective and Effiient Resource Use: Economic resources are scarce and should be used in With the help of these strategic challenges, the following the best possible way to reap the maximum benetit broad goals, strategic objectives and strategies have been for local communities. However, there are no formulated: mechanisms available to ensure that municipal decisions will indeed lead to an effective allocation Goal 1 Bridge theflscal gap. of resources. It is therefore important that local residents provide the necessary checks and balances. Strategic Objectives 1.1Develop and Implement They can do this by participating in the budgeting Integrated Revenue Collection S11stemb-y the end of process to ensure that resources are being put to their 2003 best use. Efficiencies in public spending and Strategy 1.l.1 Develop a special project to design and resource allocation will ultimately increase the implement the Integrated Revenue access of the poor to basic services. Collection System. Strategy 1.1.2Identify the donor who will assist in (b)Accountabil@,transparencyandgoodgovernance: the implementation of the project. (Given KMC should be held responsible and accountable the present financial situation of KMC, to localtaxpayers for the useof publicfunds. Elected donor assistance is essential). representatives should be required to justify their Strategy 1.1.2 Maximize KMC staff involvement in the expenditure decisions and explain why and how the project to transfer the learning in practice revenue necessary to sustain that expenditure is raised. and to have feeling of ownership. The fiscal system should be designed to encourage accountability. KMC budgeting and financial affairs Strategic Objectives 1.2 Introduce Cost Recovery should be open to public scrutiny,and local residents Concept should have a greater voice in ratifying decisions about Strategy 1.2.1 Privatize solid waste collection in all how revenue is raised and spent. Community the wards in a phased manner. participation in budgeting should aim to incorporate Strategy 1.2.2Negotiate with NWSC in sharing the those groups in the community, such as women, who drainageservice chargecollected from face particular constraints in participating. It should also Municipal system. Strategy 1.2.3Analyze "Ability to Pay" and plan to "market" the results of "Willingness to Pay" capacities. feasibility studies. Strategic Objective: 1.3 Lobby for favorable Strategic Objectives 3.2 Negotiate with HMGAV and legislative change. obtain author@for bulk distribution of electricity. Strategy 1.3.1 Demand a separate Act for KMC, Strategy 3.2.1 Assess the private sector's capacity which will guarantee complete tiscal and willingness to work on this autonomy. project. Strategy 1.3.2 Lobby for amendingthe existingAct. Strategy 3.2.2 Develop a framework for bulk Strategy 1.3.3 Prepare, approve and implement distribution of electricity with the internal by laws related to resource private sector involvenient. mobilization. Strategy 3.2.3 Negotiate with HMG/N. Goal 2 Prepare balanced budget God4 ImplemenfCRTeflectivebandefiienfly Strategic Objectives 2.1 Develop Mu1ti:year Strategic Objectives 4.1Improve present CAS. Financial Planning Strategy 4.1.1 Review existing CAS and identify Strategy 2.1.1 Prepare operating and capital budgets areas to be improved. with 5-year budget horizons. Strategy 4.1.2 Develop and iniplement procedures to Strategy 2.1.2 Monitor and control budget expenditures control and settle outstanding to minimize the potential of advances. expenditure overrun (revenue Strategy 4.1.3 Organize intensive education program shortfalls). on accounting process, practices and Strategy 2.1.3Study revenue potentialities for internal control to all concerned realistic multi-year financial planning including elected representatives. and resource mobilization. Strategic Objectives 4.2 Improve auditing & internal Strategic Objectives 2.2 Evaluate the use of debt control system financing to leverage spending in the Capital Fund Strategy 4.2.1 Organize and strengthen the internal Strategy 2.2.1 Analyze KMC'sdebt-carryingcapacity. audit unit with approved human Strategy 2.2.2 Decide upon the measures to enhance resources. new unitwith qualified hunian resources Strategy 4.2.2 Prepare internal audit and control to deal with the PSP activities. bylaws. Conduct awareness campaign Strategy 2.2.3 Use concessional loan finance. for KMC employees and elected representatives. Strategy4.2.3 Design a system to facilitate Goal 3 Involve theprivate sector in the appointment of external auditor as provision of municipal services and provisions of the Act. infrastructure Strategic Objectives 4.3Esta blish a program to Strategic Objectives 3.1 Conduct feasibility studies upgrade KMC's accounting andflnancial reporting of alreadv identified ci@service and infrastructure to international standards. areas; and involve them (private sector/lVGOs) in Strategy 4.3.1 Design sustainable automation system the project by 2003. for accounting and financial reporting, Strategy 3.1.1 Prioritize the projects and determine establishing linkage with proposed the cost of detailed feasibility studies. integrated revenue collection system. Strategy 3.1.2 Create a new unit with qualified human Strategy 4.3.2 Develop a policy about periodic resources to deal with the PSP reporting and dissemination of activities. financial reports. Strategy 3.1.3 Allocate marketing budget and develop a coniprehensive marketing EGY Goal 5 Develop Human Resources. 3. Integrated revenue collection system designed and implemented Strategic Objectives 5.1 Implement comprehensive 4. All concerned staff and elected representatives have HR Management and understood the justification and operational Human Relations Programs. procedures for the activities specified and use them. Strategic Objectives 5.2 Improve necessary training 5. Multi-year financial plan completed and development. 6. CAS is finalized and adopted by KMC by July 17, Strategic Objectives 5.3 Design performance 2000 appraisal system, and 7. Monthly income and expenditure statement compensation and benefit prepared according to CAS from August '00. system. 8. Computer llse in CAS by July 17, '00. Strategic Objectives 5.4 Implement health and 9. KMC management has financial information on wellness programs assets, liabilities and net worth of KMC by Decernber 2000 10. Staff understands and operates CAS smoothlj from 2.10.5 Progress Indicators: July 17, '00. l I .15 Account staffs of the departments, 35 ward I .The overall proportion of own source revenues in secretaries and 35 ward accountants trained in CAS relation to total revenues (excluding grants and by July 200 1. loans) is increased to 6094 (as specified in the draft 12. All required staff are in place and working according budget) to newirevised job description by July 2000 2. The actual revenue collected from these taxes is 13. PSP Unit established with appropriate human equal or more than the estimated amount shown in resources the draft final budget. 14. Feasibility Study of major PSP projects complete City Assistance Programs 3.1 URBAN PLANNING Department of Land Administration and Department of Survey have introduced the concept of land 3.1.1 Current Initiatives in Urban categorization according to actual land use. This process, Planning if continued to cover the entire valley, will greatly help to control urban sprawl and unchecked urban At the moment there are three ongoing programs which encroachment on prime agriculture land. are comparatively more related to the urban planning process of KMC. These are Development Plan 2020, The Urban Development Department of KMC is the Institutional Strengtheningof KMC Project (ISKMC) responsiblefor regulating urban development and and Kathmandu Valley Mapping Program(KVMP). The issuing building permits in Kathmandu. Their Developn~entPlan 2020 under preparation by the performance has been less than satisfactory mainly Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committee because of the lack of zoning and sub-division provides a strategic guideline for the development of regulations and absence of a strong regi~latoryunit to the entire Kathmandu Valley. It is expected to take into take action against violators. The Department is also consideration the land and infrastructure requirements trying to maintain a minimum set-back of 20m along of all the different municipalities and VDCs, their the river fronts, however, lack of delineation of river interlinkages and conservation of productive agriculture boundary on cadastral maps has hampered its work. land. The municipalities and VDCs are expected to prepare [heir own detailed development plans KMC has also been making efforts to be more conforming to these larger plans. Thus, while transparent. It operates its own radio station and regularly preparing the revised land use plan for KMC and issues newsletters about its activities. Private sector expanding its municipal boundaries, KMCwill have involvement has been encouraged through various PPP to coordinate its plans with the 2020 Plan. initiatives. These need to be continued and expanded. ISKMC Project aims to streamline and strengthen KMC's institutions so that it can better perform its urban 3.1.2 Proposed Potential Future Projects planning and management functions. The KVMPisalso designed to improve the planning capabilities of Potential future projects have been broadly divided into KMC through the establishment of an information three separate time frames for execution.The short-term systems unit, preparation of integratedaction plans projects are envisaged to be completed within the first for the wards and the city as well as the preparation two years, the medium-term projects within 3-5 years of a strategic plan for the city, citycenter upgrading and the long-term projects within 5-10 years. This is action plan, city core heritage action plan and solid not a reflection of the true order of priority of the projects waste management action plan. Because KVMP will or the actual time of their execution, rather it is indicative have updated and accurate data and will remain of the sequential order of activities to be undertaken, functional for a few more years, it will be in a position albeit on a priority basis. A certain activity may be of to review the City Development Strategy and the City the highest priority and may take a very short time to Assistance Programs and revise them as needed. implement, however, it may not be possible to begin the activity until another related work is completed, forcing Although the existing land registration system it to be executed in the subsequent phase. For example, categorizes land accordingto its agricultural productivity although expansion of municipal area needs to be taken rather than its actual use, recent ongoing re-survey up immediately before the surrounding areas are initiatives in a few selected urban areas by the developed haphazardly, it would not be possible to CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY determine the actual areas to be included to the city until Prepare inventory of all non-central function the location and amount of additional land area required governmentand semi-governmentinstitutions by the city in the future could be detennined from the located within KMC. revised land use plan. o Set up study to determine optimum locationsof open spaces as per relevant norms. Identitjl land which could be used for this purpose, whether it is a) Short-term Proposals public unused land or if necessary land which needs to be purchased. Prepare a revised land use plan with accompanying zoning regulations, detailed area plans, infrastructure development programs etc. for 6) Medium-term Proposals KMC and the areas targeted for inclusion. Set up mechanism for regular review and revision and Identify all VDCs to be included in KMC as per people's participation during the entire planning proposed land use plan, prepare and forward process. proposal to MLD for HMG approval and publication Establish a separate regulatory unit under UDD in the Nepal Gazette. invested with full authority to initiate legalaction 0 Identifyall inaccessible pockets of land within KMC against violators. The unit also needs to be and initiate land development programs which provided with necessary back-up equipment and conform to the revised land use plan. Introduce manpower to enable it to undertake, if necessary, vacant land tax. demolition of unauthorized works. Initiate infrastructure expansion and upgradation in Review manpower and training requirements of areas targeted for densification as per the revised UDD and PWD to independently take on urban land use plan. Encourage private sector planning and management functions. Provide participation in infrastructuredevelopment. necessary staff and training in planning related 0 Formulate,in collaborationwith Departmentof Land works. Involve UDD and PWD staff in KVMP Administration and Survey, regulations which activities. createa separate land registrationcategory for Collaborate with Department of Land land already under urban use or designated for future Administration and Land Surveyand the Department urban use. of Industries to formulate regulations requiring o Negotiate transfer of ownership of all unused prior approval from the planning agency before and unproductiveguthi, public and unclaimed final approval is given by the concerned agencies land within KMC. for urban land subdivision and licensefor industrial enterprises within KMC. Identify all existingplanning and building violations. c) Long-term Proposals Review existing penalties for violations. Determine specific future actions to be tahen to regularizeor Develop parks and open spaces, housing and demolish unauthorized constructions. Take other necessary urbanfunctionsas perthe revised appropriate actions to regularize, after due process, land use plan on guthi, public and unclaimed land all illegal constructions considered to cause lesser obtained by KMC. infringement of bye-laws and regulations. o Negotiatewith HMC for the relocation of non- Strengthen and reactivate CPC of KMC and central function government agencies to institutionalize its functions. alternative sites outside the municipality. Establish In collaboration with the Department of Land ownershipand developthe vacated land for necessary Administration and Land Surveyestablish a program urban functions as per revised land use plan. to determine the river domain and transfer it on the cadastral map. Maintain a minimum set- 3.1.3 Priority Projects back of 20m. from river edge. Prepare inventoryof all guthi land, public land a. Revised Land UsePlan and unclaimedlandwithin KMC. Reviewand halt all unwarranted conversion of existing open spaces The revised land use plan for KMC is expected to cover within KMC. not only the current municipal area but also the land CITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS requirementsofthe citywithinthe next20-30years. including urbanized or rapidly urbanizing surrounding This additional land would of necessity encompass the VDCs, KMC will not only be doing the inevitable by already urbanized VDCs adjoining KMC aswell asthose including predominantly urban areas which currently most appropriatefor future urban development. The plan utilize the city's services, it will also be able to regulate would need to confonn to the broad guidelines of the developments as per the revised land use plan, have larger Kathmandu Valley plan and also remain cognizant reserve land for future use and expand its tax base. of the development trends of the other municipalities of the valley. KMC needs to make a thorough study of the existing land uses, infiastructure services, economic linkages, The land use plan would have to be supported by developnlent trends etc. in all the VDCs of Kathmandu detailed zoning and sub-division regulations, Districts, except those to the south of Kirtipur detailed area plans and infrastructure development Municipality. Much of this data could be available from programs. The plan would have to be translated to the proposed revision of the land use plan for KMC. cadastral maps in order to remain compatible with the From this it needs to determine the actual VDCs it requirements of related agencies. Building bye-laws proposes to include in the city. After continuous would have to be specifically developed to promote high consultations and final consensus from the targeted density developments in the o~lterwards as per the land VDCs, KMC needs to prepare and submit the legal use plan. Specific proposals would have to be made for docunlents to MLD to formalize the enlargementof use of g ~ ~ t hand i other public land as well as for the its municipal boundary. relocation of non-central function agencies and the redevelopment of the land to be vacated by them. The proposed land use plan should be able to estimate future land requirements of the city as well as identify The preparation of the revised land use plan is expected the expansion areas and their land uses. Thus it would to take from one and a halfto two years. The services of be logical to proceed with the boundary expansion professionals, both expatriate and local, covering process only after the plan has been finalized. Since the different aspects of the urban sector will be required for process involves primarily legal and administrative varying periods, assisted by the necessary supporting procedures,this could be done through the existing KMC staff. A senior urban planner with extensive experience institutions and would not entail any significant in similar works will lead the tearn. The existing expenditure. The process is expected to take about a planning units of KMC and PWD will have to be year. fully involved in the process and the units will have to be strengthened accordingly to be able to take responsibility for execution of the plan. c) EstablkhmentofRegulaioty UnitwithinKMC The estimated cost of the project, to be executed with The current weakness in the regulatory aspects of KMC the involvement of international and local consultants, is due mainly to the fact that this function is glossed is about US$ 2 million. It is recommended that KMC over by the other functions of UDD such as issuing seek donor assistance for the project. building permits. As a result action israrely taken against violators, which has tended to encourage further violations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to set up b) Enlargemeizt of KMC Municipal Area a separate enforcement unit within KMCwhich can take necessary action against illegal or unauthorized Because KMC has no legal jurisdiction over constructions. developments occ~~rringbeyond its borders which are continuing unchecked in the adjacent VDCs, there is a The regulatory and enforcement unit would need to be very urgent need to regulate this urbanization process staffed with people with legal and engineering expertise. and integrate it with the city's development plan. Much A section ofthe city police could be deputed on a rotation of the municipal area is already built. Although basis to support this unit and a permanent link with the densificationcan and shouldoccur, the city still needs District Administration Office would have to be to reserve additional land for its future development maintained for the services ofthe civil police, whenever which it cannot do without enlarging its boundaries. By required. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ' The unit would have to be equipped with necessary as other equipment. Altogether these are estimated to demolition equipment, some of which could be cost about US$ 1 million. Alternatively, the equipment shared with other units of KMC. 7he time for and workshop could be obtained from one of the preparation of specifications and tender documents, government agencies willing to hand over such bidding and delivery of equipment will take about one equipment or leased whenever required. If, however, year. KMC will also need to establish a central purchase of equipment is contemplated, a thorough workshop for storage and maintenance of these as well review of how it can be shared in other KMC works needs to be made. CITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 3.2 URBAN ECONOMICS 3.2.3 Prioritized and Urgent Projects 3.2.1 Current Initiatives 'The activities listed below are self-explanatory. Some of them are refonn measures, and some require feasibility The present situation of KMC is a result of evolving studies and investigation. Others call for technical process. Recognizing it as a 'mahanagarpalika' is a major backstopping for their implementation. Some of them step in creating a separate identity. Though the Local could be straight investment pro-jects. They can be Self-Governance Act does not make any distinction conveniently packaged into the following four groups: between different categories of municipalities while defining duties, responsibilities, and authorities, it has A. Studies and Cons~~ltationProcess created a basis for such distinctions in the corning days. B. Data base and system design The Local Self-Governance Act has also made sorne C. Technical backstopping for institirtional provisions for resource generation through collecting strengthening, and certain taxes, which so far used to be the central 11. Investment projects. governrnent taxes. A. Identifying the comparative advantages and These initiatives at decentralization have subsequent identification of the need of provided ample opportunities for infrastructures involve public consultation and municipalities to expand their activities, and studies. Likewise, assessment with regards to pi~blic in this context institutional capacity building borrowing and greater role of KMC in development is the first and foremost requirement. Towards activities has to be studied at the beginning. One this direction. several program initiatives for individual expert can be employed for part time institutional capacity building of municipalities are services to identifythe studies in morespecific terms forthcoming. KMC is thus in a continuous process and design the consultation process so that such of developing its organizational strength, and as a activities can be undertaken within the organization result there is a marked improvement in its and also by contracting out some of the jobs. international linkages and images. Its emphasis B. Data baseand system design involves collection upon private sector participation has helped not of information, preparing human resources for their only in making them aware of municipality processing and updating, and the system for regular problen~sbut also in confidence building. The updating. The need for the use of computers in all efforts for building up and strengthening database thesc activities calls for modern management design will provide a firm basis for revenae collection and and highly qualified and experienced human other enforcement measures. resources. Support is needed to develop the system and put them in place. C. Technical backstopping for institutional 3.2.2 Proposa.1for future projects strengthening includes regular programs of familiarization workshops for elected officials, To materialize the vision set forth for Kathmandu on-thc job training. and pre-service training to city. more systematic and planned efforts have to introduce modern management concepts, upgrade be made. As a local government body, KMC has to skills, and orient the participants to the new role of take the lead, and pursue all concerned stakeholders KMC. It is proposed to provide a five years technical towards building partnerships and moving together. assistance program for this purpose. One local For this, KMC has to evolve itself as a pro-active management consulting institution andlor firm can modern organization and assert for grcater role be used for this purpose. Support has to be sought and obligations. At the same time, KMC has to from some donor agencies. work more as a facilitator. Towards this direction, D. Some investment projects will be forthcoming in the following action plans are proposed on the basis infrastructure development and social sector of the analysis of existing situation and proposed development. Some ofthem have to invite supports strategies. They will consolidate and strengthen the from central government and other donor efforts and initiatives made by KMC in the recent agencies. Some of them can be developed through years. private sector development. CITY DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY Logframe for Action Plan Comparative Investmenton Resource Social Sector Social safety Institutional Advantages Infrastructure Mobilization Managementand nets capacity (KMC) Spending building Short Term -- Identify Identify the Consolidate Make an initial Make an initial Familiarization comparative infrastructure esisting assesslnent to assessment to workshops for advantages - needs for thcse resource manage social manage these elected oficials sports, sectors and mobilization- priority programs programs to modem tourism, IT, sub-sectors. organizatiori filnded by central funded by management business and collection government. central nonns and center methods rrovemment. techniques Define the Introduce Consolidate roles of central scrvice and strengthen govt., KMC, charges on Kathmandu and private solid waste City Planning sector in management Commission developing and integrate it these with KMC infrastructures organically. -- Policy for Strengthen Make KMC private sector data base and staff involvement instit~~tionalize development the syste~nto oriented, and i~pdatethcm. work as facilitators. -- MediumTerm -- Mobilize Eamine the 1'repal.c a ground Manage the Assess the resources - potentials of work for managing social safety need for central govt. going for basic education and net measures separate grant, donors' deficit budgets health i'acilities. and implemented training and assistance, - public drinking water by central workshop unit private sector borrowing government and establish it. investment Long Term Greater KMC budget Examine the allotment for social prospects of sector programs introducing social net Relate this to measures resource mobilization authorities Examine the role of KMC in developing and mobilizing resources for them. CITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 3.3 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT stakeholders. The Initiative is dedicated to advance the five principles for making cities livable arid 3.3.1 Current initiatives sustainable. These are: social justice, ecological sustainability, political participation, economic With a view to i~nprovethe current institutional productivity and cultural vibrancy. arrangetilent some major initiatives are ongoing which are presented below: c) Knthmandu Vnlle~~htappingProgrrrmme(KG'MP): Initiated with tlie technical assistance of EU this n) Institirtionnl .Strengtlrenittg of Katlimrrtirlu Programn~eail115to improve the capability of KMC Metropolitnti City: With the technical assistance of to carry out urban development activities in a ADB this programme aims to support KMC in sustainable manner. Its act~vitiesare to be undertaken building its capacity in order to keep pace with the within a four-year duration in the areas of urban growing demand for it to increase its roles and management information system, integrated responsibilities in tlie context ofthe rcccnt LSG Act- action planning, integrated strategic plan, 1999 This project serves three main objectives: addressing system of KMC, city centre improving the overall organisationalcompetence upgrading plan, city core heritage plan, solid of KMC. increasing the effectiveness of KMC in waste action plan, CIS based digitised large mobilising and managing financial resources; scale map of Kathmandu and human resource and ~mprovingthe capacity of KMC in the delivery development of KMC. of urban services. Since its inception it lias completed many activities especially in areas, such (I#) Regiotinl Urbnrr Developmetit Office (RUDO)/ as. organisational rnanagemeilt. t'inancial l/S/lID Trrrit~irlgntrrl Sripporl Progrrrm: This is Inan~~gement,corporate accounting. solid waste an agreement betwcen RUDOI USAID and Nepal managerncnt and operations and maintenance of Administrative Staff College with a view to support infrastructure. KMC by providing services and consultancy. h) TIie lirbnti Gollerti(~nceItiitirrtives (TUCI): With t.) Otliers: MLD has recently developed three different technical assistance o f UNDP, KMC recently formats for making by-laws based on LSGA 1999. launched a programme to ~ntroducethe principles Similarly, the L,ocal Self Governance Financial of good governance in the area of environment Cornmission constituted under the High Lcvcl management. The main objectives of TUG1 include: Decentralisation Coninlittee has submitted its report strengthen KMC's capacity to practice good for the implementation. governance, particularly in tlie areas o f environmental nianagemmt, set best examples of good governance practice, disseminatethe lessons 3.3.2 Proposed future activities and learnt throughout Nepal and South Asia, priorities develop urban environment monitoring system to enhance public participation and transparency for Before the actual inlplementation of CDS. certain good urban governance of KMC and sensitise the activities need to be completed prior to its inception and elements of good governance to KMC's staff and its some nccd to be completed within the first six nlonths 1 ' Work should be started to gradually develop KMC as a strong and Before implementation of CDS able local government. Formulation of clear objectives of the KMC I CornmLinication of CDS objectives to the staff and electorate Before implementation of---- CDS Prepare capital city perspective paper of KMC Before implenientation of CDS Initiate formulation of longterm operational plan ofthe KMC including Within six rnonths of CDS implementation all current and futures plans, projects, programnles and activities Reform Advisory body Within three months of CDS implementation Clarification of accountability of electoral and administrative staff Prior to implementation of CDS CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Capacicv Increase interactions among elected political factioris to support CDS t:orm committees composed of all political implenientation groups to implement CDS Formation of a fair vacancy Fulfilment Cornniittee Before inlplenlentation of CDS ---- ---- - -- Implement corporate accounting system Before implementation of CDS ---- -- -- - - -- ----- --- Establish management and financial inforniation system Within six months of CDS implementation Recruitment of MIS exoerts Within six month ofCDS iniolementation -- - Formation ofan independent Audit Committee Before six months of CDS implementation Restructurinp of current oreanisation structure Before implementation of CDS ~ e v e l o ~ m eoftKMC-private sector co~n~iiittee n Before implementation of CDS Construction O ~ K M Cbuilding Within a year of CDS implementation ---- -- - .-..- --- --. Prepare performance contract with CEO Before implementation of CDS ~- ~ Development of Data Base System After irnplementation~ofCDS Introduction of performance evaluation system Befbre implementation of CDS Formation of CPC with the representation of line staff of KMC -- Before iniplementation of CDS Performance Make staff and electoral body accountable towards CDS Prior to the CDS contract -- Develop mechanism for KMC to maintain contact with different Prior to the CDS contract stakeholders Make a complete list of UGOs and their objectives ~lhichare After 3 months of CDS implementation I operating in the KMC area --- ofthe beginning of CDS. Institution related projects and Since institutional components-foundation, capacity and activities are short-term in n a t ~ ~ rnot e exceeding six performance- are the backbone of the implementation months before and after the implementation of CDS. oftl~eCDS. all oftheni arc to bc started with high priority and are assumed to be urgent activities. CITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 3.4 URBAN TRANSPORT Although, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, and Department of Roads are 3.4.1 Current Initiatives the executingagericieb for the improvernent works, KMC has played a vital role in implementation of widcning Most of the existing city street system-a system and improvement of niajor city road network. Currently, designed mainly for pedestrians and horse carts KMC is implementing Kathniandu Valley Mapping in the past and without any concept of motor- Program with the assistance of European Commission vehicle movement -had been experiencing a series of to build thc I>, :%,*. , .~"~;,.>&*>:*;?,.,:s.:,*.,*. %' ' Land sharin(i 1s :I,) <,pt!o~!for rqlh:lttcrs c.:IT~Ic.~~ill TI!:I~I:II!~I\!IICTC. S ~ ~ I ~ I Llillld Li sISII:ITC;ttl~rs.I ? ~ r~)(l:~ll I u! uaql aqoAu! 3 SsauaJeMe ~ l q n asea~3ul d 8' 4 3 aql U!sa!l!~!l3eluawdola~apu! paAloAu! · sapuaze %owe uo!leu!p~oo3ano~dlul @ C( ~- Xqlleaq 3 u a A 'ueap4 3 day 01lualuuoJpua apewuew v [emleuaq)a~asaidp~asuo3a ~ o ~ d w l v 8 1. ,- X p aql jo a5epaq le~nlln3pue le~!sXqdaql a~~asa~d/auasuo3 8 ---- s3uawal)jas ~allenbsueqm uo A ~ l o d~ e a dola~aa p 8 %u!snoqalqepJojje jo Xlddns alenbape aJnsu3 @ - ..... l~odsue~)pue %!snoq 'a~nl3n~lse~ju! 8 · 'puel jo luawdola~appale~%a)u! rg pauueld ,- ---- - -- luawa8euew ueqJn poo%aJnsua 013w>1jo 0 I I 1 Apede3 le!~aSeuew snlels le!~ueutja ~ o ~ d u l v 0 . 0 0 . 0 4 3 aql U!)ualuholdwaun v h y a ~ o da3npa~ @... 0 . 01sa!l!iz!gJe .g sa!~lod3!luouo3a ale!~do~ddy 10 Coals Achievement Matrix: Institutional Development A BW 0 .- COALS PROGRAMS INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT @ @ @ 1. Formulateclearobjectives for KMC 1 2. CommunicateCDS objectives to staff and electorate · · 2 15. Prepareperformance contract with CEO 1 16. Develop DBS 1 17. Introduceperformanceevaluation system 1 18. Organize CPC with representationof line staff of KMC 2 19. Develop machanismto maintains contact with stakeholders 2 20. Compile list of NGO's operating in KMC and their objectives · 2 TOTAL RELATED PROGRAMS 16 3 4 3 Appropriate economic policies & activities to reduce poverty & unemployment in the city lmprove financial status & managerial capacity of KMC to ensuregood urban management Planned & integrated development of land, infrastructure, housine and trans~ort 1 - - @ynsuzadequate supply of affordable hiusing Develop clear policy on urban squatter settlements I 1 @ Conservelpreservethe physical and cultural heritage of the city Improve& conserw/preservethe natural& rnanmade @ environmentto keepcity clean, green& healthy coordination amongagencies in development activities in the city / / @ Increase public awareness & involve them in city development process Promote private sector involvement in city development works -14 Total goals achieved r- * paAa!qJe sleoS lelol SlJOM luawdola~ap u! lualuaqoAu! lopas a l e ~ ! ~ d aloluoJd 8 ,- s s a ~ o ~ d lualudola~apA1!3 u! luaql aAloAu! rg ssauaJeMeq q n d aseaJ3ul 8 a . N hl!3 aql u! sa!l!A!lJe lualudola~apu! paAloAu! sa!~ua8eSuolue uo!leu!p~oo=a~o~dlu, @ N hqlleaqrg uaaB'ueap ,4p daav 01lualuuoJ!ma apeluuelu9 lelnleuaqlauasadpuasuor, rg a~wdlul@ al. d IeJnllnJ pue le~!sAqdaql a ~ a s a ~ d ~ a ~ a s u o 3 N - ---- sjuawalnas 8 . ..a m ~a)lenbsueqJn uo h l o d .teal3dola~aa ..... Su!snoq alqep~o~ejo Alddns alenbape a~nsu3 @ @ @ a @ @ @ @ a l~odsue~lpue Su!snoq ' a ~ n i ~ n ~ i s e ~ ~ u ! 8.. t. 'puel jo lua~udola~appale~xalu!rg pauueld 1ualuaSeuelu ueqm pooB arnsua04 ~ W >joI 0 N Aj!~ede~le!~aSeuelurg snlels lepueuy a~ordlul h1!3 aql u! iualuholdwaun rg h a ~ o ampar d o l sa!~!~!pe rg sa!mlod ~!luouo~aale!rdo~ddy 8 / cn C, c -E aJ 5 rn E C, C, rn 3 u rn 4 .-PD E V) 3 0 I ii .I : L CI C, E P QJ > QJ x .I -2cn rn / Appropriate economic policies & activities to @ reduce poverty & unemployment in the city I lmprove financial status & managerial capacity @ of KMC to ensure good urban management :I Planned& integrated development of land, infrastructure, housing and transport Ensure adequate supply of affordable housing Develop clear policy on urban squatter Q)settlements - Conserve/preservethe physical and cultural @ heritage of the city Improve& conserve/pwservethe natural& manmade @ environmentto keepcity clean, green & healthy lmprove coordination among agencies @ involved in development activities in the city Increasepublicawareness & involve them in @ city development process - - - - ~ Promote private sector involvement in 8city development works Total goals achieved ar policy on urban squatter Total goals achieved Appropriate economic policies & activities to lmprove financial status & managerial capacity 1 Planned& integrated development of land, @ infrastructure, housing and transport I @ Ensureadequate supply of affordable housing Develop clear policy on urban squatter @ settlements Conservelpreserve the physical and cultural @ heritage of the city Improve& conserveipreservethe natural& manmade @ environmentto keepcity clean, green& healthy lmprove coordination among agencies involved in development activities in the city 1 increase public awareness & involve them in @ city development process Promote private sector involvement in @ city development works Total goals achieved Appropriate economic policies & activities to @ reduce poverty & unemployment in the city lmprove financial status & managerial capacity @ of KMC to ensure good urban management Planned & integrated development of land, @ infrastructure,housing and transport @ Ensureadequate supply of affordable housing Develop clear policy on urban squatter @ settlements Conse~e/preservethe physical and cultural @ heritage of the city - - - - - - - - - Improve& conserve/preservethe natural& manmade @environmentto keepcity dpan, green & healthy @ lmprove coordination amongagencies involved in development activities in the city Increase public awareness & involve them in @ city development process Promote private sector involvement in @ city development works Total goals achieved Coals Achievement Matrix: Environment COALS PROGRAMS @ Appropriate economic policies & activities to reduce poverty & unemployment in the city Improve financial status & managerial capacity @ of KMC to ensure good urban management - -- @ infrastructure, Planned & integrated development of land, housing and transport @ Ensureadequate supply of affordable housing Develop clear policy on urban squatter @ settlements Conserve/preservethe physical and cultural @ heritage of the city lmprove& cnnservelpreservethe natural & manmade @ environmentto keepcityclean, green & healthy @ lmprove coordination amongagencies involved in development activities in the city Increase public awareness & involve them in @ city development process Promote private sector involvement in @ city development works Total goals achieved Detailed Proposal A Case Study 5.1 PROPOSAL FOR engagcd in numerous public welfare and service STRENGTHENING MUNICIPAL TAX activities. For the running and maintenance of these COLLECTIONSYSTEM OF KMC services, local governments are assigned a number of taxes and other sources of revenues, such as, house & land tax, integrated property tax, business tax, 5.1.I Introduction advertisement tax, vehicle tax, rent tax etc. In addition, local governments have access to benefit-related Kathmandu, the capital city of the Kingdom of Nepal, charges, license fees, and tines. But the fiscal powers is the only Metropolis in the country. The city is situated of local governments are limited, with most of the more in a valley at an altitude of 1,350 meters. Kathmandu, buoyant and elastic sources falling within the ambit of together with other settlements of the valley, is among the central government. the oldest settlements in the central Himalayas. Historical monuments, ancient temples and shrines, Not only in Nepal, but also in the region, the finance of golden pagodas and inspiring deities have made this city local governments is in an unsatisfactory state. Most of an open-alr museum and a place of inexhaustiblehistoric, them rely on transfers from the central governments for artistic and cultural interest. bridging the fiscal gap - a gap between resources that they have at their command and what they need in order The municipal area is currently spread over 5,076 to fulfilltheir mandated responsibilities. On the one hand hectares with different growth patterns. The city can be the degree of fiscal autonomy to the municipalities is broadly distinguished into three sectors: Historic City limited, while on the other hand, it is evident that Core. the City Center and the City Outer Ring. municipalities are not able to effectively use even the Administratively, the city is divided into 35 wards. limited fiscal powers that they have been granted under the inter-governmental arrangements. To make matters Due to increasing economic activities and available worse. local revenues are not adequately responsive to facilities as well as glamour, Kathmandu has been changing needs. attracting people from different parts of the country. According to the 1991 census, the city population was 421,258 which was estimated at 575,652 in 1998 with 5.1.2.1 Fiscal Gap is widening: an average growth rate of 6.0 percent and a residential density of 1 13 people per hectare. The averagehousehold Going back through few years data of KMC, it is size of the city is 5 persons. The floating population of evident that a few years ago, the revenue collected Kathmandu City is estimated to be 50,000 during was matching the expenditure on employees salaries daytime from nearby cities and villages like Bhaktapur and other administrative expenses, debt payment, and Lalitpur. This is due to the presence of ma.jor social services, ordinary capital and development government office headquarters and the Central Business activities or capital investment. But, gradually, the District (CBD). scene has been changing as illustrated in the following graphs. For example, in 1996-97the total expenditure was Rs.314 million, whereas the internal revenue 5.1.2 Background & Rationale source accounted for Rs.299.68 million and grants1 loans stood at Rs. 14.84 million (Chart 6). The fiscal Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), as the local gap then was minimum. But, now the fiscal gap is government, is a municipal service provider and widening each year. In the preceding fiscal year 1999-00, the actual own Increasing cost of municipal service provision and source revenue was 80.27 million rupees only, and often-static revenues are expanding the gap between grantsldonations (local development fee received from income and expenditure needs. Prices of goods and MLD) was 229.23 million rupees, whereas the total services the city has to acquire continue to increase, expenditures were325.18 million rupees with a resource for example, the increasing human resources cost, gap of about 16 million rupees. (Chart 9). This figure operation & maintenance costs and infrastructure clearly ilIustrates two impacts resulting from the investment costs. The gap between expenditure and abolishment of octroi. First, there is a sharp decline in revenue often widens because user charges are the own source revenue position, and second, KMC's inadequate and other revenue bases are inelastic, that situation is so critical that the own sourcerevenue is not is, they do not increase in proportion to the growing even enough to meet the salary and benefits obligations expenditure needs. This situation clearly calls for towards KMC employees. better resource mobilization for the sustainability of KMC. For the current fiscal year, 2000/01, KMC estimated revenue as 818.47 million rupees and expenditures as 1054 million rupees resulting in a resource gap of235 5.1.2.3Resource Mobilization million rupees, which KMC intends to bridge through a long-term loan. (Chart 12) If the local governments have to provide effective and efficient municipal servicestothe people, they must have Earlier this year, the ADB assisted KMC Institutional a dependable source of income, independent of outside StrengtheningProgram forecasted revenueof KMC forthis grants including those from the centralgovernment. Like fiscal year, 2000101. Accordingly, its own source revenue the other local governments, KMC is also forced to opt is estimatedto be 300 million rupeeswith ~ninimum"base" for massive resource mobilization as there are no other case and 480.23 million rupees with maximum or "best" choices. There is an urgent need for Nepali case. For the same year, the expenditures are expected to municipalities, including KMC, to strengthen their be 687.7 million rupees (Charts lo& I I). Even ifthe best capability and competence to enhance revenue and case for revenue is assumed, there will be a resource gap mobilize resources as per the provisions of the Act. of 207.5 million rupees At present, thc main sources of KMC's own revenue A resource gap exists in both cases. The differences in comprise the following elements: KMC's forecast and ADB TA's forecast are mainly due to new programs added by KMC and the overly Loctrl Development Fee - could be termed as optimistic revenue estimation made by the KMC. conlpensation grant for octroi or subsidy, received from His Majcsty's Government ofNepal. The overriding question is How will this gap be Velricle Ttrx- also could be termed as vehicle filled? It is evident that in the absence of required registration tax. resources, KMC will not be able to invest in the Birsiness ~ L Y - is charged on business establishments required infrastructure and development works (or and is based on categories defined in the rules and capital works) as well as operation and maintenance regulations of the Act. of infrastructure and services. Deficit financing Arlverlisement Tax- on hoardings and neon without improvement in the resource mobilization signboards. initiatives at this stage could affcct long-term Land Revenue functioning of KMC. Rental Income- incomefrom rental ofKMC property. Income from Fees and Penalty- such as vehicle entrance fee, property valuation fee, building map 5.1.2.2 Expenditure responsibilities: approval fee, application fee, parking fee, registration and other fees, environment and In the context of rising municipal responsibilities, rising sanitation fee, etc. expenditure needs are inevitable. The increasing Otlrer Miscellaneous Income- such as block expenditure needs could be attributed to the effects of number plate, tender document fee, map form fee, rapid urbanization; and rising municipal responsibilities forfeiture of deposit payable, interest from bank, are the results of decentralization in the region. miscellaneous/ insurance claim received, etc. Besides the above regular revenue sources, the Act has 5.1.2.4 The Constraints mentioned about the following new revenue sources: In order to collect all the taxes, fees and charges 1. House & Land TaxiIntegrated Property Tax effectively and efficiently - the basic need is a 2. Rent Tax comprehensive or integrated revenue collection system. 3. Entertainment Tax Such kind of system shall incorporate an up-to-date 3. Professional Video Tax database and information of taxpayers (including 5. Various fees, user charge and penalty property survey and house numbering); trained and capable hurnan resources; proper equipment, software and physical settings; and well defined communication House & Land Tax/lntegrated Property Tax (IPT) mechanism. At present, KMC lacks the complete system Potential and it could be identified as a constraint toward effective From the beginning of this fiscal year (July 2000) HMGI and efficient resource mobilization. N handed over the responsibility of collecting house and land tax to the local governments. Municipalities are Not only for the house & land tax/IPT, but also for other now authorized to collect either house & land tax or the taxes and fees, KMC does not have proper database and Integrated Property Tax. information about taxpayers. The importance of database and information has always been acknowledged by KMC's task is to go for new options provided by the KMC, but it has never tried to build it in a time bound Act. In this regard, it is believed that the lntegrated manner despite several recommendations from various Property Tax (IPT) could generate handsome studies and experts. Property survey and house revenues, although it is not a perfect substitute for numbering activities are the pre-requisites for House & octroi. If KMC and other local governments are to Land Tax 1 lntegrated Property Tax. replace lost octroi revenue from their own sources, they will have to rely heavily upon the property tax; Similarly, KMC does not have adequate computer as the property tax is the only large producer of hardware and software to support the system; office revenue that HMG has identified for decentralization. space is not enough; office settings are primitive and KMC has not yet collected integrated property tax, taxpayers find it difficult to pay the taxes. Office nor has it previously collected any of the taxes that automation with corporate setting is almost non-existent. were replaced or disqualified by the operation of the new tax. As per an estimate the maximum revenue Further, to fulfill the purpose of the system the crucial that thc lntegrated Property Tax could yield is 89 element is human resources. The success of the system million rupees, which amounts to only 43% of thc depends on the availability of well-trained, capable, previous octroi revenue. The yield is low because disciplined and dedicated hurnan resources. Lots of the tax rates are too low. The highest rate that can be things need to be done by KMC in this area. charged is Rs. 1,500, irrespective of the size and characteristic of the land and house. In addition,there should be a well-defined marketing and communication mechanism, so that all the stakeholders In contrast to the IPT, h o ~ ~ and s e land tax seems to related to this system are informed on time; and their provide a higher yield. For the last three months, KMC feelings and reactions are taken care of. At present KMC is involved in collecting the house and land tax, which neither has any information about taxpayer's willingness also could be termed as progressive in nature. Because and ability to pay nor the views of different stakeholders house and land tax is levied on the basis of the such as variousorganizations, elected representatives, and valuation of house and land ownership and there is central government. Although KMC has itsown FM radio no ceiling as in the IPT, it is estimated that if KMC station, it has not been exploited to the required level. goes for house and land tax at hundred percent Interactions between the business community (or capacity, the full potential could be rupees 950 taxpayers) and KMC hardly exist. As a consequence, million. So house and land tax seems to be the taxpayers and private sector investors have no access to favorable option. the developments inside KMC while the image of KMC remains unfavorable among the general public. s . ' CIW DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY So, it could be concluded that the lack of comprehensive necessary corrective action and prepare required human or integrated revenue collection system is an obstacle resources quality wise and quantity wise. towards effective and efficient resource mobilization, creating a resource gap for infrastructure development B. Decide about necessary computer hardware, and urban service delivery. software and other equipment. - This task also includes reviewing and deciding about the required computer soflware and devising training strategy. 5.1.3 The Solution (Proposed System) C. Procurement of necessary computer hardware, Design and in~plenlentationof integrated revenue soflware and other equipment. collection system is an option to the above problem. D. Develop co-ordination mechanism to work with thesurvey Department andLand Registration ODce 5.1.3.1 Objective and Scope of HMGLN, to record changes in house and land position Integrated Revenue Collection System should be developed and implemented in a phased manner. It E. Develop House Numbering System (Addressing should be developed and implemented as a special system): priority project, involving direct participation from the House Numbering System will be generated from the revenue department and other concerned departments. detailed property survey and it is one of the important It is necessary for bolstering the feeling of ownership elements of the proposed revenue collection system. At among these departments for long term sustainability. present, "Institutional Strengthening of KMC -ADB TA 3185" has already conducted property survey in three The main objective of the project will be to bridge the pilot wards - ward numbers 2, 5 and 20, and developed widening fiscal gap through revenue maximization. This a house numbering system. objective will be achieved through the strategy of developing and implementing the integrated revenue Kathmandu Valley Mapping Program (KVMP)will soon colIection system as a special priority project. develop metric system based addressing system. E Conduct Proper9 Survey and develop database 5.1.3.2 Implementation Arrangements: sptrm. This task includes data collection, data entry with This system could be developed and implemented in proposed software and devising the data upgrading following phases: systr~n. PHASE I Designing the system G. Scanning and Digitizing Existing Maps and Key First phase will contain several tasks as mentioned Iridicalors: below: This task will go along with task D. Recent maps of National Survey should normally be used. The staff A. Human Resource Management should assign a number to each property and specify a. Acquisition the location of that property on the map. After that such Prepare a human resource plan; conduct job analysis, maps should be scanned and digitized. preparejob description andjob specification,recruitment and selection. Guidelines developed by the Institutional H. Linking GIs and proposed software System to Strengthening of KMC, ADB TA 3 185 will be helpful create an integrated system and pilot testing. in this context and it should be followed. I. Linking other taxes such as business tax, rent tax b. Human Resource Development and building map approvalfee to the system Training and development needs assessment; design training course and determine appropriate methods; J. Data Analysis and Report: conduct training; evaluate the training course; take Data collected and processed during tasks E, F, G, H and I shouId be analyzed. On the basis ofthis, necessary e4 4."*', CASE STUDY... . reports for various sources of revenue should be be grouped by wards (and the database should be so prepared. This will give clear indication of revenue organized) and distributed to concerned ward offices. potentials. Upon receiving the arrears, revenue staff of that ward should visit each property in arrears and encourage payment. PHASE 2 Implementation E. Penalties Phase 2 also contains various tasks related to the Chapter 10, Section 165.2 of 1,ocal Self Governance implementation of the system Act, mentions the general penalty a municipality can impose on the defaulter, but there is no mention about A. Create the ValuationMechanism how much fines municipalities can charge. So municipal a) As mentioned in Chapter 7, Section 144.3 of Rules by-law should be prepared about this. of Local Self-Governance Act 1999, the municipalities should form an assessment team of 5 persons for the E: Enforcement IPT, including experts. Then, as per Section 144.5 of At the end of each quarter, the system should produce a the same rules, the team declares the tax rates for list of all arrears by property. The system should retain property. fourth quarter arrears lists, with future payments recorded, and annually combine them by property so 6) For t h house arid land tax, a locol committee ~ that multi-user defaults can be identified. At the end of should be formed as mentioned in Annex 8.2.2 of the fourth quarter, the revenue department should review Section 141)of the same rule. the multi-year defaults annually and determine, on a case- by-case basis, whether enforcement is warranted or not. B. Billing The above mentioned Clause 165.2 of the Act permits The total of 35 wards could be divided into 5 or 7 zones any and all public servicesto be suspended to a property for billing, payment and collection purpose and revenue that is in default. offices could be established accordingly. Each property (each house or plot of land) will have a house number, Each year, the revenue department should identify, select even those which are vacant. The number will be the and pursue through the legal system a number of long- basis for the property register, to be entered into the time and high value defaulters. The revenue department corporate accounting system and used for the purpose should ensure that these cases are given widespread of both assessing the tax liability as well as raising the publicity. For all cases of default, the tax office should bill. The revenue department should sort the bills by ensure that each revenue staffmember at ward publicizes wards and deliver the bills for each ward. As per Section the properties that are in default in hisher ward and enlist 144.13 of above-mentioned rule, the taxpayers should the ward committee and ward residents in an effort to receive the bills from the municipalities by Mangshir collect due bills. (mid Deccrnber). C.Payment PHASE 3 Result Management Section 144.14 states that the taxpayers should pay the tax to the municipalities within the same fiscal year. The This final phase is stock taking phase. This is the stage methods by which payment should be made needs to be to review and evaluate whether the system performance discussed and subjected to further analysis. is satisfactory or not. It will also be necessary to determine whether the implementation phase was D. Collection smooth or not? What problems and difficulties came up Each zonal tax office should establish a data base and during phase? Was it manageable or not? system which records, by property, the bill, the amount due by date, the amount paid by date, and any existing After answering all these questions, KMC will have to arrears. At the end of each quarter, the system should take necessary corrective actions and continue the produce a list of arrears by property. The arrears should system. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Chart 6: FinancialYear 2053154 (1996197) Comparison of Adual Expendituresand Revenues MILLIONS n Crant and Capital Expenditure O & M of lnfra & Servic Revenue Operational Expenses Salaries -- Chart 7: Financial Year 2054155 (1997198) Comparison of Adual Expendituresand Revenues MILLIONS 450 Expenditure Resource Gap 4oo n l c a p i t a ~ Crant and loan Revenue O & M of lnfr,aand Services Operational Expenses Salaries Chart 8: Financial Year 2055156 (1998199) Comparison of Actual Expendituresand Revenues MILLIONS 1 I ResourceGap Capital Expenditure Grant and loan - & Servic Revenue xpenses Chart 9: Financial Year 2056157 (1999100) 5 Comparison of Actual Expenditures and Revenues MILLIONS 1 ResourceGao Capital Expenditure Grant and loan O&Mof lnfra & Services Operational Expenses Salaries Revenue *- " CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Chart 10: Base Case Comparisonof Projected Expenditures and Revenues for FY 2057158 MILLIONS n Capital Expenditure .a & Services ResourceCap U Operatia Expenses Salaries Revenue Comparison of Projected Expendituresand Revenues for FY 2057158 MILLIONS Capital Expenditure O & M of lnfra & Services Chart 12: FinancialYear 2057158 (2000101) Comparison of Budgeted Expenditures and Revenues MILLIONS 200 1000 800 O & M of lnfra & Services Crant and loan 600 400 Operational Expenses Revenue 200 Salaries 0 - -. - -- - - Kathmandu'sCuwentInitiativestowards ,& Urban InformationSystem 6.1 THE CONTEXT: 6.2 INFORMATION STRATEGIES OF KMC: Informatization may be understood differently from person to person. In a city it is different for each group 0 Develop an integrated information dissemination System (Refer Fig.8) or comnl~rnitiesaccording to their need. Much more Develop Corporate Database System (Involves all than that the municipal government bear the resource and asset management, Human resourcc responsibility of running the city, governing the city management, monitoring and evaluation system) and take it to its destination, not alone but along with 0 Establishment of Urban Management Information all the stakeholders. What makes the pict~lremore System (Refer Fig.9) con~plexis the diversc cross section of the city Promote partnership between NGOs and private population from urban poor to the elites, from house- sector in the development of information sector ~ i v e to the businessnlen. But information, and only s Develop Inter-municipal lnformation System 1NFORM.ATIZA'TION can address such a challenge (Refer Fig- 10) with diversities. Strengthen the niunicipal management with e- Governence too. Thereforc. wcll-informed citizens for good urban governance is the concern of the city. Opportunity to To fulfil these strrztegies, the city has establislied have reliable, timely and easy approach to information following operr~tiottczlobjectives and initiated by all the cross section of the population is the aim. jo//owing izctivities. At the outset of the new millennium, the developing Establishment of lnformation & world is heading towards decentralization and self- Communication Department governance. More specifically KMC is discussing the issues of good governance. There are nine characteristics l'l~eorganisation structure of KMC was revised to proposed by UNDP for good governance. Among them provide rooms for information and communication the most important are participation. transparency, activities. The new structure includes three sections accountability and efficiency. Perhaps, it is the under the urrlbrella of the lnformation and intbr-matiun and comnlunication gap in centralised Communication Department. The new sections are systenl that geared KMC towards local governance. How can a city run its government without good information 0 MIS Section, o GIs Section, and system, without a good communication system, and yet address the issue of good governance. Without a good 0 Media Section information system much cannot be expected from city 0 Recruited new employees with IT background. government if it even we switched from central local For tlie,firsttime in any ci[v of Nepal, Kafhmrzndu government system. hurl itlfOrmrztionoJficer,CIS oJficer,documentation officer, cznrl s.vstem ana!vst. Kathmandu Metropolitan City came up with informatior1 strategy to develop a common platform Access to Internet and email for residence, government and non-government organisation, commercial enterprise and any other Internet and email access are made available for individuals interested in the development of the city. theJrst time in the ogranisation in 1997. At least The structure of KMC was reorganised accordingly. one comprrferin each building in dzflerent locations Based on the strategic vision, for its mission to good areprovirled wit11email access. governance, following information strategies were set. CW DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY o Establishmentof lnternet exhibition organized b-v Computer Association of Nepal. The exhibition was very much helpful in Intranet system was initiated to establish demonstrating KMC3 activities in GIs and its use management information systemfor the city. forgeneral public. It wasone of the most visitedstalls in the exhibition. Besides, KMC is taking part in o Establishment of LAN to connect City Planning regional workshops andforums. Commission and lnformation Department. o KMC's homepage in lnternet o Establishment of Intranet system with the effort of KMC's own human resources to integrate all KMC's homepage was made available in internet department, (first time in government owned although it is hosted by free web space providers. organization in Nepal). The address is: 0 All departmentsof KMC at different locationshave littp:ilw~vw.katl~~i~andumetro.hotnep~e.co~~ access to information in main server through telephone dial up system. The Homepage is linked with popular search engines and OfficalHomepage of Citynet The Provision is also made to access KMC lntranet to webpage was highly appreciateclfor the Ofiline public through dial up system. result of National Parliamentary Election in 0 This is a base for the proposed UMIS system in KMC. 1999. Theservice wasmadeavailable inInternet in cooperation with Yomari Znc, in KMC's o Establishmentof Geographic lnformation homepage. System (CIS) 3 Establishment of KMC's own internet site: o KMC initiated its Geographic lnformation System KMC has recently developed its new websitc with the support of TUGl/IJNDP. in small scale as a pilot basis in 1998. With its own The URL address of the new website& resources the GIS section of KMC used secondary h t t p : / I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ w . k i i t h r n a n d u . ~ n v . ~ ~ p data and information to prepare disaster management plan, and urban utilities and services, etc. for some o Establishment of FM station of the wards in a pilot basis. R Started producing maps'in different sizes for various Probab!)~for tltefirst in South Asian Region, purpose as per demand by KMC departments and KMC has establisheditsown FMstation (Metro agencies. F M 106.7)for information dissemination. R The pilot initiation demonstrated IT'S real implementation to urban management o Human Resources Development 6.3 KVMP THE MILESTONE TO INFORMATIONSYSTEM OF KMC 0 National and International level training and seminars are provided to employees for regular Much waited integrated urban development project update with the technology. called Kathmandu Valley Mapping Programme was o Facility to use internet for research without limit to initiaed last year under the European Commission staffs involving in IT is made available. assistance. One of the primary objectives of the project is to prepare large-scale GIS map of o Confidence building Kathmandu City. There will be parallel activities on collecting primary data of the city and integrating it to G I s system for urban development and Government offices are blamed for their slow management planning. A permanent workstation for processing and lethargicorganisation. Tobuild the GIs will be established under the umbrella of Urban confidence onpeople KMC took part in exhibitions Management Information System (UMIS), unique of showing its capacity and strengths. KMC its kind in the country. participated in the Information Technology 6.4THE URBAN INFORMATION 6.4.2 Challenges: SYSTEM: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES o Difficult to get investment priority as basic infrastructures are in competition with investment for IT. 6.4.1 Opportunities: o Some politicians and administrators are indifferent to IT. Some even think that this is not o Being a capital city, Kathmandu has a benefit of their job. relatively easily available human resources, better Reluctance to share information. Information is infrastructure. services and facilities, and better- power, let's not share it attitude. educated people and literate mass. o Brain drain of the qualified human resources, the 0 Private sector is willing to invest. challenge of sustaining the system. o The cost of hardware and software are declining o Difficult to keep pace with the rapidly changing dramatically. technology since this is a 'Perishable The technology is getting more and more user Technology'. This generates risks and resource friendly. constraints. o Slowly and gradually 1T is getting integrated into Sustaining the system once it is established. the culture of city people.