Pokhara Metropolitan City has started the construction of ‘Koseli Ghar’ to manage waste.

The foundation stone of Koseli Ghar has been laid under the Green Job Creation Project through Recycling and Upcycling, which is being implemented in Pokhara with financial support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Metropolitan City will take ownership of the project, ensuring a sustainable policy to promote recycling and upcycling (RU) enterprises that contribute to the green economy.

An agreement was signed between Mayor Acharya and Vice President of KOICA, Lee Yun Young, on 30 August 2023.

KOICA will invest 9.8 million US dollars and UNDP will invest 0.87 million US dollars in the project.

The contract for the construction of Koseli Ghar has been awarded to Anamnagar Kathmandu International Engineering and Construction Company, with a construction period of one year and six months.

The project will produce new products from waste, including the processing of non-biodegradable waste.

It is expected to be developed as a learning centre and established as a tourist destination in Pokhara.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanaraj Acharya said it would significantly contribute to the creation of a circular economy along with the development of green jobs.

He believes that, while waste management is becoming increasingly challenging, the project will also help to economically empower the community by producing reusable materials through 136 groups in the metropolitan area.

“At various stages, we have formed 136 community groups in Pokhara Metropolitan City and conducted necessary training and technical skill enhancement programmes.

“This will also provide an opportunity to create employment at the community level and integrate into the circular economic system,” he said.

He added that green job creation is also important for young people who are migrating abroad and for housewives.

Mayor Acharya said that more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created in the first phase of the project.

Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA Nepal, expressed his confidence that this project would strengthen cooperation and understanding between Pokhara Metropolitan City and KOICA.

Kong mentioned that this project will serve as a cornerstone in developing Pokhara, tourism capital of Nepal, as a model for green job creation through recycling and upcycling.

He further said that Green Job Creation has emerged as a highly effective project globally.

By Santosh Subedi