Resource information
In conformity with its objective of
functioning as a local Government, Kathmandu Metropolitan
City (KMC) sought the assistance of the World Bank for the
preparation of a City Development Strategy (CDS). The
various sectoral as well as integrated strategies presented
in this document seem to be an overwhelming demand on KMC
with its limited manpower and money. A CDS is essential if
KMC is to focus its development potential. The optimism lies
in political leadership, enabling environment and necessary
support that will be rendered to KMC from civil society. The
vision for Kathmandu stresses the need to develop the valley
as administrative, cultural and tourism center. The strategy
to move towards that vision through improvement in the
overall situation of the KMC, however, is likely to be a
long drawn struggle, yet achievable. The urban planning
study strongly recommends that Kathmandu should be accorded
special status as a capital city and large polluting and
manufacturing industries should be discouraged immediately
and if possible, re-location plans be drawn for existing
industries in the near future. Alternatively, service and
light industries should be promoted to replace the economic
opportunities. Urban areas in KMC are not designated by a
functional and occupational structure or contiguity criteria
for managing housing and squatter settlements. Housing
problems are a serious challenge in a situation where a
historically planned city is fast transforming itself into a
trade-cum-service center. On the other hand, it is
encouraging to note that despite the absence of city
specific policies and programs for housing, slums and
squatters, the communities are highly organized and are
gradually improving their conditions at their own costs,
which show their potential for mobilization in participatory
home improvement programs.
