Lumbini Province Govt now runs from its own buildings

By Our Correspondent,Bhairahawa, May 5: The Lumbini Province Government has formally begun delivering services from its newly constructed administrative buildings. 

On Monday, Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya inaugurated administrative operations from the new building built in Rapti Valley, Masuriya of Rapti Rural Municipality-3.

Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Acharya stated that the administrative centre had been constructed with the objective of strengthening the provincial level to reinforce federalism.

He added that among the seven provinces, Lumbini has succeeded in establishing its capital, naming it, and constructing its administrative centre. He called it a matter of pride for the province’s residents. 

He added that completing the project on time is a significant achievement for the provincial government.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Bhumishwor Dhakal, informed that all ministries have now been relocated to the new building constructed with provincial government investment. 

According to him, ministries, directorates, and other departments have begun providing services from a single complex designed in a mandala layout in Rapti Rural Municipality–3, which is expected to enhance administrative coordination.

Previously, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport were operating from different locations. 

Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Kapri stated that all ministries will now function from the same premises. 

He added that the commencement of services from the new building is a significant milestone in the implementation of federalism.

A contract agreement for the construction of the administrative building was signed on July 12, 2022 with Sharma–Sagoon JV. The administrative complex, built at a cost of Rs 3.09 billion, covers an area of 17 bighas, 19 katthas, and 4 dhurs.

According to acting chief engineer of the provincial capital implementation unit, Pradeep Bhattarai, buildings for 10 ministries, including the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, have been constructed. 

Except for the Chief Minister’s Office, the remaining nine ministry buildings follow a uniform design, while the Chief Minister’s Office has a distinct structure. 

The Chief Minister’s Office is a six-storey building with underground parking, whereas the other buildings are five storeys high. All buildings are equipped with lift facilities.

With the operation of the new administrative centre, service delivery is expected to become more efficient, effective, and integrated.