Human resource biggest challenge: Mayor Guragai

Sundarharaicha Municipality in northwestern Morang is the district's fastest-growing municipality in terms of population. Formed by merging the former Koshi Haraicha and Sundardulari municipalities, Sundarharaicha has made significant progress in agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and commerce. It ranks first in the district in population, education, industrial activity, commerce and agricultural production. Our correspondent Hari Prasad Koirala interviewed Mayor Kedar Prasad Guragai. Below are the key highlights of the conversation.

It has been two and a half years since you were elected. What major achievements have been accomplished during this time?

In this period, we blacktopped 15.39 kilometres of roads using asphalt technology, prioritising quality over quantity. We also paved 10.85 kilometres of interlocked roads in smaller and internal areas where heavy vehicles do not ply. Additionally, we upgraded 57.855 kilometres of roads with quality gravel, edged 24.59 kilometres and built 22 culverts and 1.1 kilometres of river embankments.

Furthermore, we constructed 21 buildings and numbered 147 roads for identification purposes. Significant efforts have also been made to improve the quality of education at the basic level. Playgrounds have been built to make schools more appealing, naturally attracting children rather than forcing them to attend. Office buildings for wards 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11 have been completed. Essential facilities like drinking water and toilets have been provided in schools, increasing public trust in government schools.

What are the primary foundations for making Sundarharaicha Municipality prosperous?

Sundarharaicha’s prosperity lies in agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial production and trade. We have partnered with farmers to boost agricultural production. For example, through Dulhari Agriculture Cooperative, we are running programmes for mustard seed production and processing, encouraging farmers to adopt oilseed farming. We have also provided animal disease vaccination services directly to farmers' homes, implemented shed improvement programmes and supported milk marketing initiatives.

This year, we distributed 207 beehives to farmers, with 25 per cent of the cost borne by them and 75 per cent covered by municipal grants. This initiative has not only increased interest in beekeeping but has also contributed to farmers’ economic growth.

What is the status of the municipality's internal economic resources?

Last year, our internal revenue was Rs. 150 million. This fiscal year, we have set a target of Rs. 200 million and based on our progress in the first six months, we are confident of achieving it. Our primary goal is to enhance internal revenue and reduce dependence on external sources.

The main income sources include royalties from riverbed resources, integrated property taxes, business operation taxes, renewal fees, house rent taxes, market taxes and various service recommendation fees. Proper management of riverbed royalties alone can fund small development projects. However, internal revenue is still insufficient to meet the municipality’s overall expenses.

What are the large-scale projects running in the municipality that are not possible through internal resources?

In Ward No. 7, the blacktopping of roads leading to Purbanchal University is in progress, with Rs. 500 million in assistance from the World Bank. Similarly, a fully equipped educational building for Panchayat Secondary School is under construction with Rs. 45 million in support from the Indian Embassy.

However, we have not yet constructed the municipality's main administrative building. In 2022, we acquired 4 bighas and 8 kathas of land in Salakpur and prepared the DPR. The foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in the same year, but construction could not proceed due to lack of assured resources. We have requested Rs. 65 million from the federal government and Rs. 150 million from the provincial government.

Additionally, the municipal hospital in Ward No. 1, which operates from a deteriorating building, offers MDGP services and 74 types of lab tests. Despite being among the best municipal hospitals in the country, with 75 per cent of its expenses covered by its income, infrastructure management remains a challenge.

What are the main challenges in developing the municipality?

Sundarharaicha faces several challenges, with human resource constraint being the most significant. Despite having universities, large campuses, IT colleges and schools, many children still do not attend school. Efforts to address dropout rates and encourage school attendance have shown some improvement but remain insufficient. Initiatives like scholarships and educational material distribution have been implemented, yet desired results have not been achieved. Waste management is another pressing issue, with the construction of a permanent and sustainable dumping site being particularly challenging.

Is there anything other municipalities can learn from Sundarharaicha Municipality?

Yes. We have implemented a ‘study while earning’ programme at Sajilal Secondary School, enabling students from impoverished families to study up to grade 12. With a seed fund of Rs. 500,000, students generate income through farming on the school’s ample land. Currently, they are cultivating mustard.

Next year, we plan to provide vocational training, such as electronics repair, to weaker students. Additionally, the municipality offers tax exemptions for marginalised groups, Dalits and disabled individuals on permanent taxes. Businesses producing traditional goods and materials also receive registration concessions. We are preparing to operate a 200-ton capacity cold storage facility with our expense.