City Hall constructed spending Rs. 250 Million remains unused

By Our Correspondent,Dhangadhi, Feb. 20: The City Hall constructed with a huge investment in Dhangadhi, Kailali, has not yet come into operation.

Although the construction of the hall completed eight months ago, it has not been brought into operation due to delay in further management. 

The hall was constructed at Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-8 by the federal government at a cost of Rs. 250 million, with an aim to hold conferences and gatherings.

 The construction work was carried out by the Division Office of Urban Development and Building Construction.

The building has two separate halls with the capacity to accommodate 960 people in total. Of the two halls, one has a capacity to accommodate 600 people, and the other 360 people, informed BKY MK JV, the contractor.  

Similarly, the City Hall has underground parking facility for around 150 vehicles. 

The hall has also VIP lounge and lobby among others. Contractor Prakash Sethi said that the hall was handed over eight months ago, after the completion of the construction. 

The hall is yet to be equipped with sound system. 

"Installation of the sound system was not under our scope of work," said Sethi, adding that it would be added in the next phase. 

"As the electricity voltage is not enough to sustain the operation of all ACs, the hall is also requiring big generators," he said. 

Currently, only a security guard can be seen in the hall. 

The City Hall, which is one of the important projects in Sudurpashchim Province, is expected to be run by the Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City. 

Meanwhile, the local government officials informed that the hall was not handed over to them yet. 

Jug Ram Chaudhary, ward chair of Dhangadhi-8, said, "Even though the construction has completed, it has not been handed over until now." 

Moreover, information officer of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis Narendra Bahadur Khati said that he was unaware about the handover of the City Hall. 

Former ward chair Narayan Baral said that the City Hall was a pride project of the entire province. 

The operation of the hall could generate employment for many, and help increase economic activities in the area, he added.