KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has directed government officials to ensure timely completion of development projects, warning that delays and cost overruns must come to an end. He emphasized that prolonged construction timelines and excessive spending are burdening the public and must be addressed immediately.
Speaking at the 54th meeting of the National Development Problem Resolution Committee held at Singha Durbar on Friday, PM Oli instructed ministers, secretaries, and project chiefs to identify the root causes of slow project implementation and take necessary corrective measures.
Expressing concern over the stalled progress of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project, despite the completion of the tunnel section, the Prime Minister questioned the delay in awarding contracts for the remaining work. “Such delays are unacceptable. If these issues persist, we cannot ensure timely results or effective use of funds,” he warned.
Highlighting inefficiencies in the supply of chemical fertilizers, PM Oli remarked, “We have a policy to provide subsidies to farmers, yet there’s a severe shortage of fertilizers. Why are we failing to ensure supply while continuing to offer grants? Let’s stop creating unnecessary hardships for the public.”
He further criticized the dramatic escalation of project costs. “Projects that start with an estimated cost of Rs 12 billion are completed only when the cost reaches Rs 52 billion. Why is this happening? Shouldn’t those responsible be held accountable?” he said.
PM Oli urged officials to consider alternative approaches if contractors fail to meet deadlines and stressed the need to accelerate development by changing existing work practices.
The four-hour meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Chief Ministers, the Chief Secretary, and various Secretaries. Participants discussed challenges related to different ministries and sectors.
On the occasion, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari, gave a presentation on economic indicators, public finance management, progress in social and infrastructure development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Nepal’s efforts to graduate to the status of a developing country.
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