Kathmandu, December 8

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Basanta Kumar Nemwang, said today that the government will take stern action against contractors intentionally delaying projects.

Nemwang said that the government will first identify projects that are being delayed, investigate reasons behind the delay and penalise contractors if they are delaying the project without any valid reasons. “Once contractors take the responsibility for a project, they should complete it. If contractors are found delaying the project intentionally, the government will scrap the contract with such contractors and hire a new one.”

Minister Nemwang had recently monitored different ongoing road and bridge projects across Rupandehi district. Following his inspection, he said that anyone not fulfilling their responsibility, stalling the project and promoting unnecessary issues will have to bear the brunt.

Among others, Minister Nemwang expressed deep concern on the delayed Bhairahawa-Lumbini road project. “We are observing Visit Nepal Year 2020 tourism campaign. However, the progress of the Bhairahawa-Lumbini road, the major route linking Lumbini, which is a tourist destination, is not satisfactory,” he said.

Moreover, Minister Nemwang directed the project developer and the contractor of Bhairahawa-Lumbini road project to complete it within December. “Roads connecting Lumbini should be made better before the tourism year begins.”

Meanwhile, he also informed that the detailed project report of the planned tunnel in Siddhababa region in Butwal has been prepared. “We will publish a tender notice for this project within one month,” the minister added.