Ward office being used to store maize

By Lilaraj Khadka,Birtamod, July 5: A building for Ward No. 6 Office of Kankai Municipality in Jhapa district was constructed last year. However, rather than using it as an office space, the building is being used to store maize.

The building was constructed over two katthas of land donated by local Ram Chandra Paudel. 

Within a year of its construction, the building has now started to wear out due to a lack of care. 

A water tank for the building's toilet has also already been blown away.

The office of Ward No. 6 of Kankai is currently operating from a building for a health centre. 

"We could not shift to the new building because it is small. 

Moreover, it is a ground-storey building with a tin roof situated in a secluded area making it unsafe," said Dirgha Bahadur Thapa, Ward No. 6 Chairman.

The building was constructed by Siddhithumka Construction Service of Suryodaya, Ilam, at a cost of Rs. 3,198,930. 

The building has a length of 40 feet and a width of 22 feet. The rooms have been partitioned with aluminium.

Meanwhile, locals have argued that constructing such a small building at a cost of over Rs. 3 million was a joke.

"A big, proper and concrete building can be constructed at the cost. However, a small building with a tin roof has been constructed. There is plenty of space for doubt," said a local.

Meanwhile, ward chairman Thapa also said that he was also not satisfied with the building.

"I have requested the estimate details of the building. It was constructed before my tenure, so I raised questions in the municipal meeting multiple times as well. 

However, I have never received a proper reply," said Thapa.

Locals of Ward No. 6 have demanded an investigation into the building construction citing that a better building could be constructed at around Rs. 700,000 to Rs. 800,000. 

As the building has already been constructed but remains unused, locals have utilised it as a storehouse for maize as well as a shed for cattle.