Kathmandu, July 22:

A new building for Ministry of Local Development (MoLD) will be constructed within the Singha Durbar complex soon. The construction of a four-storey building in an area of 800 square feet is expected to cost Rs 127 million.

“All preparations for the construction have been completed. We are waiting for the clearance of the proposed site for the construction, “ said Manikumar Rai, member secretary of the Singha Durbar Reconstruction Committee (SDRC).

The design as well as the bidding of contractors for the construction have already been finalised. The SDRC has already entered into an agreement with Shyam Sundar Chakrashwar Joint Venture for the construction of the building. As per the agreement, the construction would be completed within three years.

Rai further said the new building would be constructed after dismantling the existing old building of National Vigilance Centre. “The centre has already agreed to vacate the building.

We are waiting for the centre to find a new building for itself,” Rai added.

The new building for MoLD is being constructed as per the government’s decision to shift four ministries -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Education and Sports and Ministry of Local Development -- to Singh Durbar premises. The ministries are currently located at different places outside the Singh Durbar.