Key Takeaways:

• Minister Sunil Lamsal ordered contract termination after site inspection
• Contractor accused of negligence and unnecessary delays in construction
• Authorities instructed to initiate blacklisting under procurement laws
• Delay in hospital completion is affecting health service delivery

DHANGADHI, AUGUST 16 The government has moved to terminate the contract for the under-construction Darchula District Hospital building after prolonged delays, with the contractor also facing possible blacklisting. Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal issued the directive after inspecting the hospital building and expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of construction. Lamsal said negligence by the contractor had caused unnecessary delays and instructed the concerned authorities to initiate the process of terminating the contract in accordance with the law. He also directed officials to begin the necessary process to blacklist the contractor under prevailing public procurement laws. The minister said the delay in completing the hospital building was affecting health service delivery and instructed the concerned offices and stakeholders to give priority to completing the project. Following the minister's directive, authorities are preparing to take action against the contractor under the contract and public procurement laws. Administrative and legal procedures are expected to be initiated immediately to ensure that construction of the hospital building is completed on time.