Halesi Tuwachung Municipality has officially publicized its key achievements during a special program marking the completion of its three-year tenure under elected leadership. Organized by the municipality itself, the event aimed to showcase developmental milestones and lay out future plans, especially in the tourism sector.
Municipal spokesperson and Ward No. 7 Chairperson Kamal Giri stated that addressing the people’s fundamental needs remained a core focus. “We have initiated new programs to conserve and promote tourism destinations in the upcoming years,” he said.
Infrastructure Development a Top Priority
The municipality gave highest priority to physical infrastructure development, constructing 92 kilometers of new roads over three years. Among the roads built in all 11 wards, 2,500 meters have been paved, and 512 kilometers upgraded for year-round use.
Administrative infrastructure has also seen progress. Eight of the wards now have permanent office buildings in operation. Construction in Wards No. 9 (Salle) and No. 11 (Rajapani) is near completion, while work in Ward No. 5 (Durchim) has been delayed due to land disputes.
Water Supply and Irrigation Projects
Major strides have been made in water and irrigation. The municipality has implemented several drinking water projects, including the Lochakhola, Saharbote spring, and Jukekhola lifting systems. A large-scale Halesi Tuwachung Lifting Water Supply Project is in its final phase of construction.
Additionally, 230 recharge ponds have been created to support irrigation and replenish natural springs. Notable projects in this sector include the Ghopatar Majhigaun Irrigation, Dudhkoshi-Hattitar Lift Irrigation, Timuray Lift Irrigation, and the Kurle-Rupatar system, among 21 such initiatives.
Education: Infrastructure and Quality Reforms
Of the 90 community and private schools in the municipality, 26 now have new RCC buildings. The municipality has been promoting quality education through its full implementation of free education from early childhood development to Grade 12.
Healthcare Expansion and Services
Significant upgrades have been made in healthcare, including the operation of a five-bed municipal hospital and birthing centers in all 11 wards. The hospital offers round-the-clock services, including free ambulance services for the underprivileged, Dalits, and pregnant women. Work on a 15-bed hospital, funded by the federal government, is also progressing swiftly.
Livelihood and Economic Development
Under the livelihood improvement program, the municipality has distributed 100 buffaloes to local farmers and provided goats and piglets to support animal husbandry. It has declared specific pockets for orange, banana, lychee, and vegetable farming.
Local enterprises such as traditional Dhaka textile and eco-friendly leaf-plate industries have been promoted. The municipality has also launched agricultural marts and provided subsidized loans for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Boosting Religious and Cultural Tourism
The municipality has made notable efforts in promoting religious and cultural tourism. Renovation and upgrades were carried out at 26 religious sites, including the iconic Halesi Temple a confluence for Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat faiths as well as Tuwachung-Jayajum, Bunglung Park (Stone Garden), Manjushree Cave, Sallepokhari, and Bhumjudanda. Homestay programs and tourist guide training have also been introduced to improve tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences.
Good Governance and Social Responsibility
Deputy Mayor Ramesh Raut, who also heads the judicial committee, emphasized the municipality’s commitment to justice through reconciliation in most disputes. “Except for serious crimes, we have ensured justice through mediation, with both parties walking away satisfied,” he said. Initiatives under social responsibility include girl child savings schemes, health insurance programs, and the construction of 14 community buildings for various ethnic groups.
Financial Transparency Praised
The municipality has made commendable progress in reducing financial irregularities. According to the 62nd Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General, Halesi Tuwachung ranks first in the district, third in Koshi Province, and tenth nationwide among 753 local governments for financial discipline. The audit report for fiscal year 2080/81 shows only 0.15% irregularities, totaling Rs. 2.36 million.
Public Support and Educational Conference
The formal event, which also included an educational conference under the theme “Capable Teachers, Quality Education, Refined Values: Strengthening Public Education as the Foundation for Halesi’s Development”, was inaugurated by District Court Judge Narayan Prasad Dahal. Representatives from political parties, civil society, security agencies, media, and other stakeholders were present and praised the municipality’s performance.
Mayor Bimala Rai reiterated her commitment to continue prioritizing education, health, drinking water, agriculture, and tourism. “Most of our promises have already been fulfilled. Now, our sole focus is to promote tourism as a means of economic prosperity,” she stated.
