KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 14
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising has said the government has no option but to terminate contracts of development projects that remain stalled.
Speaking at a programme in Shuklagandaki Municipality, Tanahu, on Saturday, Minister Ghising said delayed projects would not be tolerated and that fresh tenders would be floated after scrapping non-performing contracts. He added that coordination with provincial governments would be strengthened to move forward projects stuck in limbo.
He also stressed the need for constructing new roads and bridges in some areas, while carrying out timely maintenance of existing roads. Responding to a memorandum submitted by locals of Shuklagandaki Municipality, the minister pledged to hold discussions with concerned stakeholders after returning to Kathmandu.
Referring to the Tanahu Hydropower Project, Minister Ghising said the project would have a significant economic impact and noted that shares could be made available to local people as it is fully owned by the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Earlier in the day, the minister inspected the GP Koirala National Centre for Respiratory Diseases in Shuklagandaki Municipality–5. During the visit, board member Trilochan Lamsal urged the minister to install a dedicated power line at the hospital and to expedite an agreement with the Indian government to upgrade the facility to 300 beds. Executive Director Dr Ram Kumar Shrestha briefed the minister on the hospital's services.
(With inputs from RSS)
