Prime Minister Oli lays foundation stone of Parliament building

Kathmandu, September 18

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today laid the foundation stone for the construction of Parliament building on premises of Singha Durbar during a function.

Estimated cost of the state-of-the-art building stands at Rs 5.26 billion. The main and annex buildings, which are spread over 173 ropani land, will be built in Putali Bagincha provided by Nepali Army.

The building will be disabled friendly, and will house the House of Representatives, National Assembly, VVIP lounges, Parliamentary committees, office of parliamentary parties, Parliament Secretariat, canteens and parking lots.

The government has set a target of three years to complete the construction of the building. Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, which is tasked with the construction work, said the earthquake-resistant building would be constructed in a manner to reflect typical Nepali architecture and would not exceed five storeys.

The Parliament building premises will also have a garden, water fountain, open space and disaster response facilities.

Prime Minister Oli had announced the construction of the Parliament building, on the first day of his appointment to the post for the second time, to maintain the dignity of the legislature and save millions of rupees the government has been spending on rent.

The government has been paying around Rs 150 million in rent for the International Convention Centre, annually. New Baneshwor-based ICC is being used as the Parliament building after the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections. Until then, the Rana era Gallery Baithak building in Singha Durbar was used as the Parliament building. It will be converted into a museum.

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