KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s 43rd executive meeting on Friday turned lively as multiple issues — from the reconstruction of the fire-damaged Singha Durbar to the construction of KMC’s own office building — sparked intense discussion.

Ward No. 3 Chair Prem Thapa proposed that the metropolis take responsibility for rebuilding the historic Singha Durbar, which was destroyed during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9.

Expressing sorrow, Thapa said, “Singha Durbar is our pride. Watching it burn helplessly was painful. KMC should lead its reconstruction.”

Amid the debate, Ward No. 11 Chair Ramesh Tandukar pressed for immediate action to build a permanent KMC office, saying the lack of one had made even executive meetings difficult. “We need our own building before a hospital — it’s time for action, not more assurances,” he remarked.

Responding, Mayor Balen Shah said the metropolis would begin office construction after the Tihar festival, reiterating that plans were already in place.

The meeting also reflected lingering criticism of Balen for not deploying fire engines during the Singha Durbar blaze, an accusation he has not publicly addressed.