It is not okay

When I see a muddy street in Kathmandu, I wonder when it will be fixed. The potholes have been a part of my city's identity. I have been waiting for my whole life, expecting to be fixed soon. "K garne!" It’s easy to sigh and say, “This is just how things are.” But, that acceptance and our quiet tolerance of mismanagement are precisely why the problem persists. Instead of demanding that it be fixed, many of us have adapted. We wear masks to survive the pollution, and accept potholes as part of our city. This normalisation of dysfunction is dangerous. It lowers our expectations of what our city and our leaders should deliver.

When I go around Bhaisepati, the minister's quarters appear as a symbol of hate. I can't see those buildings made by the sweat of the citizens. The mud and waterlogs shadowing the lavish buildings made for the families of provincial heads is a reflection of what we deserve. The provincial heads are supposed to work in provincial capitals, and they are provided with residences in Kathmandu. The minister's quarters, next to those buildings, represent the missed priorities of the government.

Walking around Kathmandu is hazardous. Driving around is equally dangerous. The bikes and pedestrians are all potential victims. Whom to blame? No one takes responsibility. Accountability disappears when mismanagement becomes routine. The most unrealised threat is the new extended cities where there is no footpath. The roads are narrow and we pride ourselves on using EVs. The NY times published a nice article. I strongly believe that the emphasis on EVs is the wrong priority

The roads are paved and unpaved immediately. The road construction remains unfinished for months and months. Accepting the mismanagement is not only unfair to its citizens but it is a form of corruption.

I refuse to accept this anymore and I know this is not normal for my society. I demand transparency and accountability. It means speaking up, holding institutions responsible, and believing that change is possible. Most importantly, it means not settling for “this is just how it is.” Kathmandu deserves better. Nepal deserves better. And we, as citizens, must demand it.

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