KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday directed authorities to complete the Melamchi drinking water project before the deadline.

During an on-site inspection of the project in Melamchi of Sindhupalchok district today, the Prime Minister said, "The government is clear that national pride projects should be completed on time. I, therefore, direct you to complete the project before the fixed deadline and get rewarded."

Dahal had reached Melamchi with Sindhupalchok lawmakers Agni Prasad Sapkota and Sher Bahadur Tamang, and Acting Chief Secretary Tankamani Sharma for the inspection.

Meanwhile, Dahal reiterated that the government would take action against officials who deliberately dillydally in the execution of development projects.

"We are accustomed to competing for delays," he said, "But, the government wants to develop a culture that all development project would compete for completing the projects on time."