HETAUDA: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized that the State incurred additional liabilities due to the failure to deliver quality work as per the agreements made.

Speaking at the 25th general assembly of the Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN) held here today, PM Dahal highlighted that numerous projects faced delays because construction entrepreneurs did not meet their obligations as stipulated in the agreements.

Expressing the government’s concern over the challenges and hardships encountered by construction contractors due to the limitations and weaknesses of the State, Dahal reiterated, “Issues such as substandard work, project delays, and extensions in construction timelines have increased the State’s liabilities.”

He informed that he had directed the Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission, and relevant ministries to ensure that strategically important projects are not stalled, and to break the cycle of unnecessary projects, which only add to the State’s liabilities without delivering quality outcomes.

Additionally, the Prime Minister assured that the government was committed to terminating projects falling under the State’s purview, lacking resource assurances, based on consensus following the 13th amendment of the Public Procurement Regulations.

Dahal pledged that the current government would take necessary measures to address the challenges faced by projects that experienced delays due to structural weaknesses within the State and its inability to make timely payments.

Acknowledging hindrances posed by certain acts and laws in infrastructure development, he vowed to make legislative reforms more development-friendly while prioritizing environmental protection.

“The process to amend significant laws, including the Forest Act, has been initiated. This will facilitate the construction sector in conveniently accessing riverbed materials and mineral-based resources.”