CHITWAN: The Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation has expressed deep concern over the Rs 184 million pending payment related to the construction of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur.
Despite completing much of the construction and transferring the structure to Bharatpur Metropolitan City, the foundation says the dues remain unpaid even after five years of persistent efforts to secure the funds.
Foundation chair Sitaram Kattel ‘Dhurmus’ and his wife Kunjana highlighted that they have personally pursued government offices, local authorities, and courts in the United States and Nepal to resolve the issue, but have yet to receive justice.
According to the foundation, it has already delivered structures worth Rs 590 million and construction materials worth Rs 24 million to Bharatpur Metropolitan City. However, only Rs 94 million of the total pledged Rs 690 million from federal, provincial, and local government support has been received.
Specifically, Bagmati Province released Rs 30 million out of Rs 300 million, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City has released Rs 80 million out of Rs 167 million. Meanwhile, the Rs 184 million recognized by the city as pending dues remains unpaid, causing severe financial distress for the foundation.
No financial irregularities found, yet public accusations continue
The foundation said multiple investigations by government bodies, including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and other regulatory agencies, found no financial irregularities, giving the foundation a “clean chit.” Despite this, the couple says they have faced public accusations of mismanagement.
The foundation added that while federal and provincial budgets were repeatedly allocated for the project, funds were frozen in the Finance Ministry, and decisions by various committees were delayed, leaving the project in limbo. Even after handing over the stadium structure to Bharatpur Metropolitan City on August 6, 2021, the pending payments remain unresolved, placing the couple under prolonged financial strain.
Foundation appeals for urgent government intervention
Dhurmus and Kunjana urged the government and local authorities to honor their initial commitments and pledges made during the grand Mahayagya fundraising event in Bharatpur. They stressed that immediate payment of the pending Rs 184 million is necessary, especially considering their daughter’s ongoing medical treatment, which requires urgent attention and resources.
“We have nothing left to give. Today, our focus should be on our daughter’s health, but old liabilities are consuming all our savings and energy,” the couple said.
They called for compassionate intervention from the state, highlighting that timely payment would allow them to shift focus from financial survival to their daughter’s treatment and well-being.
Comment