'Govt. working for sustainable urban development, good governance'

Patan (Lalitpur), March 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh has said that the government was committed to sustainable urban development and good governance.     

At a regional seminar on urban good governance and development organized by Niti Foundation in Lalitpur on Wednesday, Singh said the urban regions should be the centre for culture, sustainability and good governance in addition to the platforms for economic gains.     

"The Kathmandu Valley is facing multidimensional challenges including rapid urbanization, degradation of natural resources and socio-economic inequalities. Inclusiveness, community participation and integration of local knowledge should be utilized for urban development and urban governance," the Urban Development Minister added.     

Recalling the proactive role of community in reconstruction of Kathmandu after the Gorkha Earthquake 2015, Singh stated that reconstruction was possible with the collaboration and partnership of the government and local community.     

The Deputy Prime Minister was of the view that Nepal has accorded priority for community participation in urban development, infrastructure access, resource management and multilateral cooperation for urban development planning.     

Likewise, he observed that the local governments were required to enhance their efficiency for urban planning technology.(RSS)