KATHMANDU: Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota observed the under-construction Federal Parliament Building Friday.

Construction of the Parliament House has made 32.5 per cent physical progress so far. It is being constructed at Putali Bagaincha in Singha Durbar. The contract for the construction of the structure was signed on October 3, 2019, and the construction started immediately.

Building Construction Project Chief Dilip Shekhar Shrestha had briefed Speaker Sapkota about the progress being made so far. After inspection, Speaker Sapkota said he was satisfied with the construction works. He said the construction has picked up pace despite the adverse situation.

The Speaker also directed the bodies concerned to work in coordination to complete the construction works within the deadline. “The construction needs to be completed within two years. We can accomplish the work if we expedite it. I will carry out all the coordination works under my responsibility. You will get the necessary cooperation from the side of the Parliament Secretariat,” the Speaker added. As he said, the Parliament Secretariat would facilitate in the construction works by forming a team.

The Speaker urged to expediting the works and said he would take initiative for vaccinating the construction workers against COVID-19. As per the agreement, the new Parliament Building should be ready within October 2022.

The total estimated cost of the project is 6.02 billion (without VAT). The Parliament Building Complex will have 12 buildings, four gates and landscaping. The Parliament Building will house the House of Representatives, the National Assembly, the Secretariat, party offices, library, canteen and other structures. The building will have modern facilities and be built in the traditional Nepali architectural style, Project chief Shrestha said.

Secretary-general of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Dr Bharat Raj Gautam, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development Ramesh Prasad Singh, among other officials were also present on the occasion.