KATHMANDU, MAY 5
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed serious concern over the delay in the ongoing upgrade of the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur.
Summoning office-bearers of the concerned agencies and contractors to a meeting today, the Prime Minister sought clarification regarding the failure to complete the installation of international-standard parapets and floodlights within the stipulated timeframe.
During the discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Oli reiterated his dissatisfaction with the project's slow progress, noting that the work had not been completed as scheduled.
It is noteworthy that one of the first decisions taken by Prime Minister Oli upon assuming office was to ensure the installation of international-level parapets and floodlights at the stadium within 100 days. That deadline expires on May 7.
In response to the delays, the Prime Minister issued strict instructions to identify the reasons behind the setback and determine the number of days required to complete the project. He further directed that the work be finalized within the next two months.
The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Chief of the Federal Secretariat and Management Office-responsible for implementing the project-Chakraborty Kantha, and representatives from the contracting companies.
Officials and contractors admitted that the delays were due to late bid announcements, minor design modifications, weather-related disruptions, and holdups in opening the letter of credit (LC). They pledged to complete the work within the next month.
Also present at the meeting were the Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Eaknarayan Aryal, among others.
