Dhangadhi, December 7

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

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

Far-west Road Division Office Dipayal Engineer Sunilbabu Panta rued the crisis facing the nation and its effects on the development sector. “Though the contractors are ready, we are unable to operate heavy equipment and machines due to persistent fuel crisis,” he said, fearing that a bulk of the development fund could freeze.

Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, Mahakali Irrigation Project and Chameliya Hydropower Project are a few projects in the region that are national glory projects.

Among the road projects, construction of 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 been 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.