Dhangadi, December 7

Construction work at projects in the far-west have been halted due to shortage of construction materials due to agitation in the plains.

Technicians said not a single project was launched in the region in the current fiscal. While only 70 per cent of the development fund used to be spent in the region earlier, no project has been launched in the region this fiscal due to Tarai unrest.

Far-west Road Division Office Dipayal Engineer Sunilbabu Panta said, “Though the contractors are ready, we are unable to operate heavy equipment and machines due to persistent fuel crisis.” He feared the development fund could freeze.

Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, Mahakali Irrigation Project and Chameliya Hydropower Project are a few project have been stalled. Among the road projects, Dhangadi-Khutiya-Dipayal fast track, Sahajpur-Bogatan-Dipayal road, Budar-Joryal-Gadasera road, Ugratara-Melauli road and Bagarkot-Sirad-Rupal roads has been affected, while upgradation of access roads to the district headquarters of Bajura, Bajhang and Darchula have stopped.

Construction Entrepreneurs’ Association Kailali Joint Treasurer Krishna Deuba expressed his concern about the loss they have been incurring. “The contractors don’t have a large profit in the projects and we are at the receiving end amid the protracted unrest and fuel crisis,” he said.