KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 10
The Ministry of Urban Development has halted projects and programmes being carried out by user committees until related procedures are formulated.
Issuing a press release, the MoUD informed that a committee headed by its joint secretary was formed to make the projects and programmes more effective, sustainable and employment-oriented. "The development projects and programmes being carried out through user committees of the areas concerned have been halted for the time being, as per the minister-level decision dated November 7," read the release.
According to the MoUD, it is also collecting opinions and suggestions from various stakeholder agencies, persons and organisations. The public procurement process and construction works were being expedited through user committees.
The 57th and 58th reports of the Auditor General had suggested that the government transfer the responsibility of construction, operation and maintenance of development works to user committees through the provision of social audit and hearing to ensure their quality and timely completion.
The reports had also found irregularities in development works entrusted to user committees due to their collusion with contractors and government officials.
It was observed that the construction works being carried out through user committees were not as effective as they should have been.
User committees were also found to be involved in embezzlement of government funds without considering the quality of work.
A version of this article appears in the print on November 11, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
