Kathmandu, Twelve ward offices of Birendranagar Municipality, which were completely destroyed during the recent Jen-Ji movement due to arson and vandalism, have not yet resumed normal operations. More than a month has passed, yet the municipality has shown little interest in restoring ward-level services, prompting complaints from local representatives and service seekers.

Currently, the municipality is providing services for Wards 1 to 12 in an integrated manner from the District Coordination Committee hall. However, offering all services from a single room has caused significant inconvenience to the general public seeking daily services.

"Due to the absence of ward offices, service seekers are forced to reserve auto-rickshaws and travel from distant places," said Dinesh Khatri, Chairperson of Ward No. 1. He also accused the municipality of neglecting the re-establishment of the ward offices.

According to Chudamani Chapai, Chairperson of Ward No. 12, many people seeking services such as senior citizen documents, child welfare, death registration, residence verification, and recommendations are forced to return due to minor issues. "Even a small paperwork error leads to people standing in line all day only to go back disappointed," he lamented.

In last month’s arson incident, documents, furniture, computers, and other equipment in the ward offices were either destroyed or stolen. Since then, the offices have remained closed, and services are being delivered from the District Coordination Committee office.

Local residents and elected representatives are demanding immediate restoration of services at the ward level. They argue that if integrated service delivery continues for too long, it could not only create administrative difficulties but also adversely impact citizens’ rights.