Community development work which includes construction of Community Wing office of the Ward Office building of ward 20 at PMC20, Bhalam, Pokhara (20). The project is a joint effort of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Ward No. 20 (PMC20), local community and SKR Groups. With an area of 11.025 hectares, the new ward office is designed to become a modern, accessible and efficient public building that will be used by the residents for years to come and will help improve the governance and services of the local community.
Building a Public Space for the Community
There is no building that embodies the concept of public infrastructure better than a ward office, the common place where local government meets the community. We’re here at SKR Groups to tell you we’re doing just that at our new project for Pokhara Metropolitan City, the construction of the new Ward Office Building for Ward No. 20 in the Bhalam Community, Pokhara-20 in Kaski.
The building was designed with the concept of purpose and presence in mind.
This is not a block of concrete, it’s a building that will symbolize the ward it represents. It is 14.2m long, 14m wide and 4.5 storeys high with a semi-basement and is built on a plinth area of 198.44m². The semi-basement has been carefully conceived for the parking of vehicles, relieving one of the most frequent concerns faced by any public office: where is the parking.
Ultimately, where function meets finish.
The government buildings tend to be designed with function as the primary consideration, but in this project utility has been considered first, and architectural quality has been given careful consideration. The exterior is clad in stone, which will lend a solid and dignified presence to the building, and the interior also shows an attention to detail (granite finishes in the lobby and staircases, tiled bathrooms and a 6-passenger elevator to reach all floors, including for staff and visitors).
There has been equal attention towards the doors and windows. Throughout the building the project features a combination of 38mm Sal wood panel doors along with 38mm ready-made teak wood doors and UPVC window fittings throughout, giving a natural, elegant look with the added benefit of being durable.
Where Things Stand
Much progress has been made in construction. So far the following work is done:
- All structural works
- Brickwork and plastering
- Stone cladding
- Tile work
- Granite work
- Elevator installation
- Painting
- UPVC window fitting
- Door works (Sal wood and teak wood doors)
The team is now working on the final stages which make a building a live, inviting public space, the finishing touches:
- Electrical fitting
- Sanitary fitting
- Landscape work
Timeline and Investment
The construction was started in 2081 Chaitra and is expected to be completed at the end of Asoj 2083. The total project cost of NPR 3.79 crore (including VAT) represents a huge investment in civic infrastructure and in the lives of the people who will occupy this building for years to come in Ward No. 20.
Why This Project Matters for Ward No. 20
A dedicated ward office isn’t just a place with desks and files, it’s a space that is the embodiment of local democracy. The building will be the birthplace and place of citizenship certificates for the residents of Ward No. 20, a place for resolving local issues, discussing the budget, and having a voice in the community. A good-designed and well-built office shows the ward is taking its duty towards its citizens seriously.
A parking location in the semi-basement is also a good example of good planning for the future. Increasingly, public offices face congestion and lack of parking spaces in busy and developing urban wards such as the Pokhara in this case. The project has been designed from the start to incorporate parking to meet the needs of the staff and users for many years to come, rather than as an afterthought.
Engineering and Material Choices
All the materials selected for this project are chosen to last and require little maintenance over the years, which is important when the project is for the Government and should be both functional and a presentable asset.
Exterior Stone Cladding
The exterior is clad with stone, which provides protection against the weather and a long-lasting finish that will stand the test of time in Pokhara’s climate.
Granite Flooring
In areas with heavy foot traffic, such as stairs and lobbies, granite flooring resists wear and tear much of the time that flooring doesn’t.
Bathroom Tiles
The bathroom tile is an important element in a public building as it ensures easy cleaning and long-term hygiene.
Sal and Teak Wood Doors
The selection of sal and teak wood doors was considered because of their strength and resistance to warping due to different humidity levels in different seasons in Nepal.
UPVC Windows
The UPVC windows offer ward office building energy and low maintenance, which are also cost-saving in the long term.
6 Passenger Elevator
A 6 passenger lift makes it easy for the elderly, disabled and those who may find a 4.5 storey climb difficult to reach in the building.
All these decisions embody a public construction ethic of building things well and for many years, building once.
What Comes Next
The project has now passed through the design, structural, masonry and finishing phase, and is now in its most fragile phase, the construction phase. When installing electrical and sanitary fittings, it is important to coordinate every office, restroom and common area to be fully functional on opening day. On the other hand, landscape will influence the way that the building will be perceived from the outside, the way people walk up to the building, the surrounding greenery and the first impression that visitors will have before they enter the building.
After the last steps are completed, the building will be available for use as the community’s operational and administrative headquarters, in the ward where it was created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the address of the Ward No. 20 Office Building?
The project is situated in Bhalam Village of Pokhara-20, Kaski under the jurisdiction of Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC20).
What is the size of the building?
It has a plinth area of 198.44m2 with a total length of 14.2m and width of 14m over 4.5 storeys, with a semi-basement.
What is the function of semi basement?
Semi basement specifically designed for staff/ visitor vehicle parking.
What are the materials and finishes of the building?
The exterior cladding is in stone and the interior has tile work in bathrooms, granite finish work in the lobby and the stairs, UPVC windows and ready-made 38mm teak wood doors.
Is there an elevator in the building?
Yes, there is an elevator which can accommodate 6 passengers, to make access on all floors easier.
What work has already been completed?
Structural work, brick work, plastering, stone work, tile work, graniter work, installation of elevators, painting, fitting of UPVC windows and all door works have been completed.
What work is still going on?
Electrical fitting, sanitary fitting and landscape are ongoing.
When was construction started and when will construction be finished?
The construction was started in Chaitra 2081, and will be completed by the end of Asoj 2083.
What was the total cost of the project?
The total project cost (including VAT) is NPR 3.79 crore.
Who is carrying out this project?
The construction of the Ward Office Building of Ward No. 20 is going on by SKR Groups as a government infrastructure project for Pokhara Metropolitan City.
One Project at a Time, Building Trust
Each time we build a government building, it is not just bricks and beams that are accountable; it’s one that will be useful to a public that needs it for decades. The structural works have been completed and the finishing works are in full swing and the building of a Ward No. 20 Office building is progressing in Bhalam, Pokhara with good design and reliable public services and functions.
Please watch for more updates as we get closer to the end of the process!
The theme for the year is SKR Groups – Building infrastructure, building trust.