Kathmandu, Mar. 13: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the local government is the first school of democracy and the closest government to address people's expectations and needs.

Addressing a programme organized on the 29th anniversary of Nepal Municipality Association here Sunday, PM Deuba reiterated that the local governments should be more sensitive and responsible as they are the governments at people's doorsteps.

The activities of local government influence people to make views on all tiers of government, so municipalities have more important role to secure public trust. "The Association of Municipality formed as the representative body of municipalities after 2050BS has played significant role to empower people," PM Deuba praised.

According to him, planned settlements with roads, clean drinking water, drainages, open spaces and greenery, proper sanitation are essential for country's modernization and sustainable development. He however admitted, "Most of the municipalities are unmanaged urbanization, which has not only ruined natural beauty but also invited insecurity. Time has come to take forward the small and big cities including federal capital

Kathmandu in line with concept of sustainable development," PM Deuba underscored.

He also viewed that cities should be made well-managed with proper plan and research. Integrated infrastructures help build proper cities, PM Deuba said, adding that protection of the original identity of the municipalities is equally imperative.

Cities could be developed as hubs of economic activities. The PM also lauded the initiatives taken by the Association in implementing constitutional provisions, restructuring of local levels and federalism.

He pointed out the need of enabling local level leaderships for quality service delivery.