KATHMANDU: A lift that was previously used exclusively by former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has been opened for use by all employees and service seekers from Sunday.
According to KMC Spokesperson Navin Manandhar, the decision was taken under the directive of Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol. One of the lifts installed at the metropolitan office has now been made accessible to the general public.
The lift, installed in a rented building at Kamaladi, was password-protected during Shah’s tenure and was used only by him and members of his secretariat. It was installed in July 2023 and connected to the office parking area.
While Shah was in office, access to the lift was restricted, and municipal police personnel were deployed to enforce the restriction. Following his departure from office in the first week of Magh, the lift has now been opened for common use.
Of the two lifts installed at the Kamaladi office premises, only one had previously been operational for service seekers, while the other was reserved for the mayor.
The Kamaladi complex houses the offices of the mayor, deputy mayor, chief administrative officer and the environment department in one building, while other departments and divisions operate from the second building.
The exclusive use of the lift by the former mayor had earlier drawn criticism. Shah had reportedly installed the password system to avoid direct interaction with staff and service seekers, allowing him to move directly to the fifth floor without being seen.
With Shah no longer in office, the lift has now been opened for use by all employees and visitors to the metropolitan office.
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