SAN opposes hoarding board removal

Kathmandu, Dec. 28

The Signage Association Nepal (SAN) has strongly opposed the decision of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to remove hoarding boards from the major thoroughfares of the city.

Issuing a statement on Saturday it claimed it would be counterproductive and demanded that the government should withdraw the decision immediately.

"SAN is an organisation that has long been involved in the management of advertisement market. It has created employment opportunity for about 75,000 youths," read the statement.

It has complained that the obscure advertising policy of the government might cause entrepreneurs giving up their business venture in advertising sector. The signage sector has about Rs. 7 billion investment from about 3,500 entrepreneurs.

The SAN said that it was not against the government decision but it was against the practice of of taking decisions without consulting with the concerned business sector.

"Hoarding boards and signage have become a major part of business promotion and advertising around the world. The decision to remove it would have severe repercussion on the business and government revenue as well," read the statement.

Saying that the hoarding bords would be a major promotion component during the Visit Nepal Year 2020, the association urged the government to rethink about its decision.

It also demanded a separate Hoarding Board Policy to manage the sector.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 December 2019.