MP Pant raises concerns over contractors’ payments & Budhigandaki project
She noted that a large number of construction companies are still awaiting payments for work completed in previous years, with complaints continuing to rise across the sector.
KATHMANDU: Member of Parliament Kamala Pant has drawn the government’s attention toward unresolved issues faced by construction entrepreneurs, delayed payments, and challenges in the implementation of the “Janata Awas” housing programme.
Speaking at a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly, MP Pant said that construction entrepreneurs are increasingly forced into a situation where they are “left with no option but to halt work and remain idle” due to non-payment of dues.
She noted that a large number of construction companies are still awaiting payments for work completed in previous years, with complaints continuing to rise across the sector. Raising concern over the issue, she questioned when the outstanding payments would be cleared, how much budget has been allocated for them, and how construction work can continue without settling previous dues.
MP Pant also highlighted issues surrounding the “Janata Awas” programme, which is currently being implemented under the name “Basti Development.” She said that delays in providing timely budget information to local governments have created difficulties in identifying targeted beneficiaries. According to her, advance information to elected representatives would help ensure more effective selection of eligible families.
In addition, she raised questions regarding the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, expressing skepticism over whether an allocation of NPR 1 billion is sufficient to move such a large-scale project forward. She also sought clarification on past government statements and commitments related to the project.
