SATV Mar. 6, Kathmandu: Manara Shiswa Municipality in Mahottari district has built its well-equipped administrative building. The building constructed under the Local Level Administrative Building Infrastructure Development Programme is the first air-conditioned, women-friendly and disability-friendly administrative building in Madhes Province.

According to Mayor Mohan Pandey, the three-storey building spanning 8,950 square feet was constructed at a cost of Rs. 72.85 million with 50 per cent provided by the federal government.

With the completion of the building, Manara Shiswa has become the third municipality in Mahottari to have its own administrative building, after Gaushala and Bardibas municipalities.

Mayor Pandey stated, "After overcoming many difficulties, continuous efforts, and obstacles and with the blessings of the municipality residents, we now have our administrative building. This new building has increased the pride of the residents and boosted the morale of the elected representatives."

According to the municipality's engineer, Rakesh Pandey, the initial estimated cost of the building was Rs. 112 million. The cost was reduced by 33 per cent and the contract was awarded to the Synergy Gyan Jyoti JV for Rs. 75,028,000.

According to the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, Rajesh Sharma, the building is air-conditioned, earthquake-resistant and equipped with modern facilities. Fire safety systems have been installed on all floors and modern lighting arrangements have been made. Separate toilets for men and women, as well as proper water supply systems, have been arranged on all floors.

He added, "A breastfeeding room has been set up for mothers with new-borns. There are also ramps for people with disabilities, making this a disability-friendly building."

The large size of the new administrative building has been divided into 'A' and 'B' blocks. The building contains 26 rooms in total, including three large and medium-sized conference halls on all floors.