Nuwakot Infrastructure Office launches search for contractor after road project delays

KATHMANDU: The Infrastructure Development Office in Nuwakot has initiated a search for a construction contractor after KBNS-KBK JV, which was assigned the responsibility of upgrading the road, failed to make contact.

KBNS-KBK JV had been entrusted with the task of upgrading the road from Aitrampati-Punibhanchyang to Sikkre Maidan, Talakhu, and Chhap, in Shivapuri Rural Municipality-4. However, despite the contract and the groundbreaking ceremony, the contractor did not engage in work, prompting the office to begin an inquiry.

According to the office chief, Sujan Thapa, correspondence has been sent to the contractor, urging them to resume work, as the project is already behind schedule. “The contract was signed on May 30, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on Oct 22. Since no progress has been made, we are pushing the contractor to return to the field and expedite the project,” Thapa stated.

The road, which had a track opened twenty years ago, is to be upgraded and paved over a distance of approximately six kilometers at a cost of Rs 16.3 million.

The contract was awarded under a multi-year tender for road improvement, which includes blacktopping within two years.

However, after six months of inaction following the agreement, the contractor’s lack of interest prompted the office to escalate the matter.

A directive was issued through former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on October 6 to press for the commencement of the project, but the contractor failed to comply.

To ensure the timely implementation of the project, Chief Minister of Bagmati State, Bahadur Singh Lama, directed the Infrastructure Development Office not to delay the construction.

Consequently, the office has now intensified efforts to bring the contractor back to the site and resume work.