KATHMANDU, AUGUST 9

In the second phase of protest announced by Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal (FCAN), contractors from all corners of the country wore black armbands and took to the streets today.

As per the federation's directives, construction experts representing seven provinces and 77 districts actively participated in the protest rally in the capital. Under the leadership of FCAN President Ravi Singh, the protesting contractors set out from the Federation Secretariat in Anamnagar, subsequently converging at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor.

In his address to the contractors, FCAN President Singh emphasised that the initiation of the second phase of agitation was an outcome of government's failure to address the legitimate demands put forth by the business community.

FCAN's General Secretary, Roshan Dahal, highlighted that in the face of the state's apathy towards the business community, the contractors had resorted to whistle rally as a symbolic means of drawing attention.

Likewise, Sitaram Neupane, president of Federation of Nepal Crusher and Mining Industry Entrepreneurs, underscored the turmoil engulfing the entire construction sector, attributing it to the government's procrastination in disbursing substantial payments to contractors.

Neupane emphasised that the ripple effects of the construction workers' movement have reverberated across other sectors within the construction industry. He urged the government to promptly heed the legitimate demands of the construction workers.

Kamal Karki, general secretary of Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firms, pointed out the adverse impact on the economy due to the significant downturn in the construction industry.

The contractors have been holding protest since July 30, steadfastly demanding remuneration for completed projects, extension for ongoing projects, price adjustments, enactment of contractor-friendly regulations, and the establishment of a high-level negotiation team to engage with their demands.

A version of this article appears in the print on August 10, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.